Cannock site set for crematorium nod
Three of the four crematoria earmarked for Essington, Perton, Wergs and Four Crosses have been recommended for refusal by planning experts.
Only the designs for Four Crosses - on the site of the famous Truckers Rest cafe - have been given the initial nod by council planners.
Four separate applications were submitted to South Staffordshire Council and they will be considered at a meeting on March 17.
There is currently no crematorium in South Staffordshire and MP Gavin Williamson said the recommendation to only accept one proposal is 'a step in the right direction'.
The MP, who previously described considering four applications at once as 'barking mad', said: "I welcome the use of common sense in deciding on a verdict for these applications.
"To have four crematoriums in and around South Staffordshire is a totally ridiculous idea.
"I know there has been concerns regarding each individual project and if the Cannock proposition is to go ahead I still believe people from that area will have their worries.
"It is vital that the thoughts and opinions of the public are taken into consideration and if there is a strong public opinion against that proposal too, the council shouldn't be afraid to reject that as well, despite the positive recommendations."
The Four Crosses proposal would see a crematorium, chapel and 75-space car park built on the site where the Truckers Rest cafe currently sits and has done for more than 50 years.
A separate access road will be built for the crematorium, with footpaths and a memorial garden including a water feature at its centre.
If approved, the crematorium will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 1pm.
Cannock Chase council leader George Adamson said: "This is great news for Cannock and I hope this recommendation is followed up.
"The nearest crematorium at the moment is either Stafford or Streetly, this can be a long journey for families in trying times.
"The Truckers Rest cafe has been there for a long long time and I know it is well used, but the need for a crematorium is clearly there."
The other three applications have been recommended for refusal on the grounds that they are considered inappropriate developments on green belt land.
The scheme in Essington, spearheaded by the Westerleigh Group, was met with opposition from villagers and residents in nearby Bloxwich.
Its plans consist of a chapel which can seat 112 people , with bosses expecting to host four or five funerals a day.
Councillor David Clifft, chairman of Essington Parish Council, previously said the application was a 'major concern for two communities'.
He said: "I am very pleased with the report and looking forward to debating the application in more detail on Tuesday.
"We have received some great input from officers and residents on this planned development."
The scheme in Wergs off Holyhead Road is being promoted by Dignity, which says the site would include a wild flower meadow and cater for six services a day.
Those plans are set to be rejected on the grounds that there isn't a substantial need for a crematorium in that area and the development could compromise nearby road safety.
The site is next to the historic Grade II listed Wergs Hall and residents had previously set up an opposition group.
The third plan recommended for refusal was put forward by the boss of endurance challenge Tough Guy, Billy Wilson.
His plans for a 'forest crematorium' would impact upon the openness of the countryside according to planning bosses.
The land in Perton has been used as a cemetery since 2002.
Mr Wilson said: "I believe our application would have been the most sensible to accept, it is already a cemetery and our plans would have improved the appearance of the area.
"I don't think this will be the end for us."
