Funeral directors' chapel of rest plan faces refusal advice

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

Planning officers recommend refusing a funeral directors' application to build a chapel of rest and mortuary in a residential garden.

Saunders and Son Funeral Directors is seeking planning permission to place a single-storey modular building in the grounds of Westwinds on Allithwaite Road, Grange. The proposed facility would include a chapel of rest where families could visit deceased loved ones, as well as mortuary facilities.

Westmorland and Furness Council planning officers are recommending the application be refused when it comes before the South Lakeland Local Area Planning Committee on 22 October. Officers believe the 24/7 element is unsuitable for a 'peaceful residential area'. The application was brought before councillors following a call-in request from Councillor Jenny Boak.

The applicant argues the development would help safeguard a long-established family funeral business serving Grange and the surrounding area. The business's existing chapel of rest and mortuary operates from leased premises, but the applicant says the lease may not be renewed if the landlord decides to sell the building. The applicant contends there are no suitable alternative premises currently available in Grange.

The proposed modular building has been reduced in size since the application was originally submitted. It would measure approximately 7.2 metres by 7.2 metres and stand 3.6 metres high, with cedar cladding and steel. The plans have attracted nine letters of support and four objections, while Grange-over-Sands Town Council raised no objection.

How it is being reported

• Funeral director's plans to build chapel of rest and 24/7 mortuary could be refusedA long-established funeral directors is seeking to build a chapel of rest in the garden of a home, but officers believe the 24/7 element is unsuitable for a “peaceful residential area”.NW Evening Mail · 17 Oct, 06:00
• Funeral director's plans to build chapel of rest and 24/7 mortuary could be refusedA long-established funeral directors is seeking to build a chapel of rest in the garden of a home, but officers believe the 24/7 element is unsuitable for a “peaceful residential area”.Westmorland Gazette · 17 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Saunders and Son Funeral Directors · Westmorland and Furness Council · Grange · Grange-over-Sands

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