Work to start on crematorium despite appeal

Work on the Bierton crematorium is set to begin, despite a looming appeal from a rival developer.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Apr 2016, 12:34 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2016, 12:37 BST
Road closure in EyeRoad closure in Eye
Road closure in Eye

The Chilterns Crematorium Joint Committee has taken the decision to press ahead and close the stretch of road between Rowsham Road and Cane End Lane to vehicles.

Closing the road is part of a process of preparing the area for when building work begins at the site.

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The move comes despite Westerleigh, the developers behind a rival crematorium scheme on Watermead, 
signalling that they intend to appeal the outcome of a judicial review with found in favour of the Bierton plans.

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The Chilterns Crematorium Joint Committee (CCJC) was originally granted planning permission in October 2014.

This was quashed by a judicial review requested by Westerleigh that is planning to build a crematorium on a site in Watermead, Aylesbury.

The CCJC regained planning permission in October 2015 which is now subject to a further challenge by Westerleigh.

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Westerleigh has applied to the High Court for permission to appeal against the permission granted to the CCJC by Aylesbury Vale District Council Strategic Development Management Committee.

This process can take up to six months.

The planning permission for the Bierton site is still valid unless the High Court states otherwise.

Cllr Michael Smith chairman of the CCJC attempted to reassure the public that the closure would not affect them too much.

He said: “Despite the delays the CCJC remains committed to delivering the new crematorium.

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Local residents have made it very clear that they are very concerned about the local roads and the impact a new public facility would have on them.

“The decision to go ahead with stopping up the highway between Rowsham Road and Cane End Lane is vital to 
ensure that traffic travelling to the new crematorium doesn’t come into conflict with 
local road users including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.”

Westerleigh previously challenged the scheme over the existence of great crested newts at the proposed site, an issue which has since been rectified by the CCJC.

Email your views on the plans to editorial@bucks
herald.co.uk

Related topics:WorkHigh Court