A STRONGLY opposed crematorium is set to open to mourners across South Lakeland within a year after controversially gaining planning approval on appeal.

An application to redevelop a workshop at the 14th century Beetham Hall Farm, near Milnthorpe, and create the area’s first crematorium was rejected by South Lakeland District Council in October 2014.

But that decision has now been overturned by a Government-appointed planning inspector, upsetting opponents concerned about the potential impact of pollution and emissions, increased traffic and the crematorium’s impact on the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Funeral director John Fishwick, who submitted the application, told the Gazette he hoped the crematorium would be operational within the next 12 months.

The nearest other crematoria are at Barrow and Lancaster - meaning long journeys for mourners in South Lakeland.

It is anticipated that the new crematorium will handle 1,200 funerals a year - around four a day.

Mr Fishwick said he was delighted to finally have permission after such a long wait and was now keen to meet requirements set out by the inspector.

The inspector had his attention drawn to an alternative planning application for a crematorium at the J36 Rural Auction Centre close to the A65 at Crooklands, but stated that he determined the appeal ‘solely on the basis of the planning merits’ of the Beetham proposal.

Susan Wagstaff, of Hale, had strongly opposed Mr Fishwick’s plans from the outset.

She said residents were “absolutely devastated and aghast at the decision.”

“It is a major blow for the AONB, which is there to protect landscapes,” said Mrs Wagstaff.

“The local community is almost 100 per cent against this development and we do not feel that we have been properly heard.”

Cllr Steve Yates, of Beetham Parish Council, said: “Obviously there is a huge disappointment in the town which I think people here did not expect. It all seems a bit extraordinary. It is a decision which is quite controversial.

“The general response is that people are saddened and disappointed.

“The site in particular is within the AONB and contains listed buildings and an ancient monument – we wonder what the AONB is for as it doesn’t seem to have been afforded any protection.”

Lucy Barron, Arnside and Silverdale AONB manager, added: “The AONB Partnership objected to the Beetham Hall crematorium proposal because our assessment was that it would have a significant detrimental impact on the landscape of the AONB.

“We note that the planning inspector agreed in his report that the development would fail to conserve the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB and would be contrary to both local and national planning policy regarding AONBs.”

The planning inspector’s report stated that planning permission was granted for a change of use, extension and alteration to create a crematorium, associated landscaping, car parking, and associated changes of land use at Fishwicks Ltd.

In reaching his decision the planning inspector took into account that the crematorium would create ‘a limited number of jobs’ which would still support economic growth in the area and be of public benefit.

The inspector concluded: “The desirability of reducing the need to travel, coupled with the current indicative capacity and delays experienced at existing crematoria as well as demographic trends showing the district to have an ageing population, demonstrates to my satisfaction that on the balance of the evidence before me that there is a need for additional crematorium facilities in the district.”

Previously, SLDC has refused the building of crematoriums at Gatebeck, near Endmoor, in 1998 and at Sampool, Levens, in 2006.

Permission for a crematorium close to J36 at Crooklands was turned down last March and has been taken to appeal by Time and Tide Homes.