New crematorium refused by councillors

Plans for a new crematorium in North Kesteven have been rejected by councillors.

South Lincolnshire Crematorium and Lincolnshire Co-op wanted to build the new facility on land west of Haddington Lane, near Thurlby, claiming it would help with a lack of capacity at a facility in Lincoln.

However, the City of Lincoln Council objected to the proposal, and denied there was a lack of capacity at their facility.

The crematorium site west of Thurlby Road.

North Kesteven District Council officers also criticised a lack of evidence and ‘unsubstantiated claims’.

Councillors agreed the site was not in an acceptable location and would create issues.

Committe chairman Councillor Patricia Woodman said: “It is the wrong building on the wrong site. None of us would be allowed to build a country house in that field.”

Councillor Marianne Overton said she continued to believe a need for such a facility was “very much towards Sleaford.

“”There are a lot of people in Sleaford and I do not think this is the right place to serve what we think is the need,” she said

The proposals included a single storey building which ‘bears many similarities’ to one the applicants already own in Surfleet.

It would be accessed via Haddington Lane, and would include an 85 space car park, gardens and landscaping.

Andy Bowser, director of applicant South Lincolnshire Estates, said the facility was needed. He said 10 other sites had been considered and argued that a site closer to Sleaford would not be viable.

“We think it’s a lovely, peaceful tranquil setting and will benefit the bereaved very much,” he said.

The applicants argued another new crematorium near Lea, Gainsborough, would not “substantially” change the numbers going to Lincoln.

Lincoln Crematorium recently underwent refurbishment and is due to undergo even more investment. Photo: Steve Smailes

The Lincoln facility, on Washingborough Road, underwent a refurbishment in 2018 which improved the seating capacity and size of the building, along with creating a new entrance and offices.

Simon Walters, from the City of Lincoln Council said the facility had the potential for future expansion.

Earlier this month, further multi-million plans were approved by City of Lincoln council’s leadership including new cladding, grounds, a book of remembrance, parking and a new rose garden.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.