A COUNCILLOR has suggested that planners 'should think carefully' about proposals for new crematorium near Stroud 

It was revealed last week that a new crematorium could be built at a 9 acre site just west of Eastington. 

One of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries proposes to build a brand-new facility in Stroud district.

Westerleigh Group, which operates 40 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, says it intends to submit a planning application to Stroud District Council in the coming weeks for a new crematorium on a 9.2-acre site just west of Eastington, Stroud, and south of Gloucester, along the A38.

(Image: Supplied) Dr Robert Brown, Conservative councillor for Severn Ward at Stroud District Council said: "Many of us will likely have experienced and benefited from Westerleigh’s existing crematorium near Bristol.

"Having a new site in the Severn Ward would bring that benefit closer to home and therefore be a real asset to the Stroud District.

"However, planners should think carefully - in consultation with the relevant local parish councils - about the proximity of the proposed site to the A38-Perryway junction to ensure that any development doesn’t cause further traffic issues."

A spokesperson for the Westerleigh said about the plans: "The site has been carefully chosen to be accessible to families within Stroud and the wider Gloucestershire area while at the same time providing a beautiful, secluded, and tranquil setting.

"The location of the site and the design of the modest chapel building, coupled with its natural screening, minimises any visual impact of the proposal on the local communities.

"The development has been designed with the environment and sustainability in mind and the proposed crematorium will be one of the most environmentally friendly crematoria in the UK.

"During the design process, paramount importance was placed on the quality of the visitor experience.

"The new crematorium would nestle into the wider landscape and a series of open spaces would guide visitors to the chapel.

"The approach to the building would be framed by the welcome garden, which is an integral feature of the scheme and defines the arrival area.

"The garden would provide a year-round outdoor assembly space incorporating shelters for meeting and quiet contemplation before entry to the building.

"Local funeral directors, have welcomed the idea, outlining the need for a modern state-of-the-art crematorium to serve the local community."