New Wolverhampton crematorium 'would reduce unacceptable funeral delays'
Bosses behind plans for a new crematorium on the outskirts of Wolverhampton claim the controversial scheme would reduce 'unacceptable' funeral waiting times.
Dignity UK want to build the crematorium on green belt land near Codsall which was formerly part of the Wergs Hall estate.
They have now put forward data showing current delays at the nearest existing crematorium in Bushbury are placing 'unnecessary strain on grieving families.'
By analysing nearly 2,000 bereavement notices published in the Express & Star during 2015, the firm claims nearly nine in ten cremations at Bushbury take place more than two weeks after a death.
A spokesperson for Dignity, said: "We have now provided an in-depth report to the Appeals Scheme giving evidence that our proposed crematorium would reduce the time a family has to wait for a funeral to take place; offer reduced journey times; greatly improve public services and better meet the modern-day needs and wishes of the bereaved.
"Our analysis shows that for 88 per cent of cremations at Bushbury the time between date of death and day of the funeral is in excess of 14 days, a time-period applied in other planning appeal decisions.
"Moreover, waiting times at Bushbury increased to an average of 23 days during February and March 2015, a period when crematoria are traditionally at their busiest.
"At Dignity we believe this delay is unacceptable and places additional, unnecessary strain on grieving families and friends at what is already a very traumatic time."
The firm has put forward other arguments in support of its application for planning permission.
Bosses claim it could accommodate larger congregations than at Bushbury, allow for longer services and better meet the needs of different religious faiths.
In 2015 South Staffordshire Council refused the plans as they were deemed an 'inappropriate' development for green belt land.
But they resurfaced last month with Dignity insisting there are special circumstances which outweigh harm to the green belt, namely the need for a new crematorium in the area because of an increasing death rate.
The firm is urging the council to reconsider its stance. The plans include a single chapel which would host around six funeral services each day.
Wolverhampton Council was not available for comment.
