Crematorium a 'barking mad' idea says MP
Proposals for a new crematorium on the outskirts of Wolverhampton have been dubbed as 'barking mad' by the area's MP ahead of a consultation today.
South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said the plans from Dignity Caring Funeral Services on Wergs Road, Tettenhall, should be rejected by planning chiefs.
Mr Williamson said: "I have already been to seen the council officers to register my concerns about the proposals.
"I think this is a ridiculous idea and will be a dreadful incursion into the green belt and damage the ecology of the area.
"While the plans have not yet been submitted, I personally will be opposing them rigorously. It is a barking mad idea and if they are put forward I hope they will be rejected by the local authority.
Dignity Caring Funeral Services want to build the crematorium on green belt land between Wergs Hall Road, Heath House Lane and the A41 Holyhead Road between Perton, Codsall and Tettenhall.
Developers say they want to hear residents views on the scheme at a consultation event to be held tonight at Codsall Village Hall.Initial designs of the latest scheme show a sweeping driveway, a lake, and the crematorium building backing onto woodland.
The site is next to the historic Grade II listed Wergs Hall. Keith Vaughan, of Wergs Hall Road, has formed an opposition group with Andy Holden of Heath House Lane.
Retired Mr Vaughan said: "We oppose these plans. It will not be good for the area and will ruin our green belt. It is not right for this area."
Mr Williamson added: "Wergs Road is awfully busy and the junction down there has seen many awful accidents.
"This will add to the traffic and I think it is unwise to add to that considering how bad it is.
"A lot of people are concerned right across the district and understandably people from Tettenhall will feel it is more negative for them but people from Perton and Codsall share their concerns."
A decade ago more than 300 residents in Tettenhall Regis signed a petition objecting to proposals back in 2001 for a crematorium and cemetery just metres away. This was thrown out by councillors. The consultation event for the current scheme will be held on tonight (29aug) at Codsall Village Hall between 3pm and 8pm when more details are expected to be revealed.
