A “CALL IN” request has been made to decide an outline planning application to build a crematorium near Caersws, at Powys County Council’s planning committee

Caersws County Councillor Les George, who is also a member of the planning committee, has confirmed that he made the request earlier this month.

Powys Crematorium Limited intends to build an all-new crematorium at a 13.66 hectare site north of the B4568 road at Ael Y Bryn between Caersws and Aberhafesp.

The nearest crematoria are at Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury, which are both around 40 miles from the site.

The plans include providing a green burial site as well as create a garden of remembrance, new and improved access arrangements, and car parking area.

Cllr George (Conservative) said: “I have called it in. Some of the local residents have serious concerns.”

Caersws Community Council has also asked for people’s opinions on the proposed development before it also discusses the planning application at a future meeting,

The council had intended to set up a poll on its Facebook page but it didn’t work.

Caersws Council said: “We wish to gather further opinions of the proposed development of a new Powys Crematorium in Caersws.

“Unfortunately the poll has not worked, so you could leave comments with your views, send a message via Facebook or email.”

Powys County Councillor for Dolforwyn, Cllr Gareth Pugh (Conservative), is registered as the only company director for Powys Crematorium Limited on the Companies House website.

Cllr Pugh is a member of the county council’s Planning committee and a spokesman has said that he will be taking “no part” or commenting on the process.

To gauge the views of the community a month long pre-application consultation was held up to December 4, 2020 before the application was submitted at the end of December.

According to the pre-application report by agent, Alan Southerby, the idea has had a mixed reception with people both for, and against the proposal.

Mr Southerby, said: “The applicant accepts that a new crematorium facility is likely to be a matter that will engender an element of public objection, and is pleased to have received feedback on its proposals.

“The applicant has taken the time to deal with and answer many of the issues raised in correspondence directly with those who raised concerns.

Mr Southerby added: “Following the pre-application consultation process, the application proposals remain essentially unchanged given that no overriding or fundamental objections were received to either the design or layout of the proposed development.”

To contact Caersws Community Council with your comments email  clerk@caerswscommunitycouncil.co.uk