South Staffordshire's controversial crematorium needed for ‘religious reasons’
Thousands of Sikh and Hindu families could benefit if controversial crematorium plans on the outskirts of Wolverhampton are given the go-ahead, an inquiry has heard.
Westerleigh Group's proposals for the site in Essington would include a ‘viewing platform’ for mourners to see part of the crematorium process in line with religious traditions.
But a planning inquiry at South Staffordshire Council heard Dignity UK's opposing scheme earmarked for Wergs does not include similar proposals.
Stephanie Hawkins, who was commissioned by the council to review the schemes, said the needs of faith communities must be taken into account when determining if planning permission should be granted.
Mr Peter Goatley, representing Westerleigh Group, put it to her: “Would it be fair to say the needs of faith communities should be given weight in any decision?”
Ms Hawkins replied: “Yes, certainly.”
An eight-day public inquiry at the council’s Codsall offices will determine if either of the planning proposals should be approved.
The inquiry heard that many Sikh and Hindu families are believed to travel miles across the region just to have services held at Sandwell Valley Crematorium, which has a 'viewing platform'.
Westerleigh Group’s plans for a crematorium off Broad Lane have been backed by members of the Sikh and Hindu communities, the hearing was told on Tuesday.
But Mr Peter Village QC, representing Dignity UK, said a crematorium off the A41 Holyhead Road might be able to accommodate certain religious needs in the future.
He said: “There’s no reason to suspect these specific needs couldn’t be met at the Wergs site if required.”
Mr Village went on to say Dignity UK's plans would include a 60-minute crematorium service while the Essington crematorium's services would run for 45 minutes.
He added: "Increasing mourners are looking for visual tributes, and more contemporary music and web casts. All these digital facilities will be built in."
The inquiry comes after former Communities Secretary Sajid Javid rubber-stamped Westerleigh Group’s plans in 2017.
This was despite the plans being refused by the council two years earlier and a planning inspector upholding the authority’s decision.
Council planning officers also rejected Dignity UK’s proposals but the company’s appeal led to the quashing of all decisions made by Mr Javid and the public inquiry re-opened.
South Staffordshire Council previously refused planning permission for both sites but has now backed Dignity UK’s scheme.
The hearing continues.
