South Staffordshire crematorium battle intensifies with four different plans submitted

The sites in Essington, Perton, Wergs, and Four Crosses near Cannock, are now being looked at by officers at South Staffordshire Council with decisions expected early in the New Year.

Leader Brian Edwards said that the authority would have to look at each scheme on their individual merit meaning, in theory, all four could be approved.

"We could approve all four or we could approve none," he said.

"They have to be looked at individually."

He said he could not comment further because he did not want to prejudice the council's decisions or forfeit his right to speak when the schemes are discussed formally.

But MP Gavin Williamson has described the situation as 'bonkers'.

He said: "In my view we seem to have had a bandwagon effect where one scheme was being talked about and then suddenly there has been an explosion of proposed sites.

"We have gone from a situation where over the past 40 years there was no proven or significant need to suddenly people claiming there is a huge need.

"I think it has all got a bit bonkers. I have not got a desire for any of them."

There are currently no crematoriums in South Staffordshire.

The scheme in Essington is being spearheaded by the Westerleigh Group and has met with opposition from villagers and residents in Bloxwich.

The 11.6 acres site in Broad Lane would see between four and five services a day.

Council chiefs in Staffordshire have agreed to lease the land to the firm for 75 years.

Westerleigh managing director Richard Evans said: "We have found a lot of support from members of the public for our plans.

"Our plans are based on the fact that local families need a new crematorium facility – one that is nearby and not too overcrowded."

The scheme in Wergs off Holyhead Road is being promoted by Dignity. They say the site would include a wild flower meadow and cater for six services a day.

The site was formerly part of the grounds to the Grade 2 listed Wergs Hall, which lies 400 metres to the east.

The boss of endurance challenge Tough Guy is behind the plans for a 'forest crematorium' off Jenny Walkers Lane in Perton.

Billy Wilson says his crematorium would be surrounded by 100,000 trees and the profits would be ploughed back into the community.

While the Four Crosses proposal would see a crematorium, chapel and a 75-space car park will be built just behind the Truckers Rest cafe on the A5 close to Gailey reservoir.