Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Service) on the future of bereavement services in the Borough.

Report of the Executive Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Service) on the future of bereavement services in the Borough.

(1)        The Decision Taken

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet agrees that Officers work with CDS Ltd to refresh the planning application for the enhanced bereavement facilities at Welwyn Hatfield Lawn Cemetery and resubmit to the Development Management Committee for consideration at a future date.

(2)        Reasons for the Decision

In December 2016, Cemetery Development Services Ltd submitted a planning application on behalf of the Council seeking permission for the demolition of the existing buildings located at the Welwyn Hatfield Lawn Cemetery and re-locate them to the south west of the grounds. The new development included the incorporation of the equipment required to conduct cremations as well as upgrading parking provision and generally improve bereavement facilities for the Borough.  The planning application was subsequently approved by the Development Management Committee in March 2017.

Crematoria Management Ltd, lodged a judicial review against the Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a development of a crematorium. They subsequently succeeded on one out of three grounds of the judicial review claim in March 2018.

The current status of the planning application for the crematorium remained undetermined and the Council would refresh the planning application documents and submit them for consideration by the Development Management Committee at a future date.

The continuation of the project would enable the enhancement of Council bereavement services provided in the Borough.