East Riding of Yorkshire Council is seeking Cabinet approval, in principle, to consult and develop a business case to build a crematorium in Holderness.
The council has identified a need for a new crematorium in the area because of the time it takes for people to travel to existing sites from the Holderness area and the impact this has on the bereaved when suffering from their loss and subsequently wishing to visit a crematorium where ashes have been laid.
A new crematorium, should the council go ahead with the proposal and subject to consultation and planning approvals, would also help to address poverty for some of our most vulnerable communities.
Councillor Richard Burton, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We have conducted a significant study and have established this project offers substantial benefits to local residents, businesses and communities.
“While the study began last year, the recent impact of the pandemic has been a stark reminder of the impact the loss of a loved one has and the importance of the need to say our goodbyes in a sensitive and dignified way.
“We hope to provide a beautiful tranquil place which reflects the Holderness landscape. We want it to be a place where people of all ages feel at ease visiting the site, somewhere which help families and friends to celebrate the lives of their loved ones in a positive and hopefully uplifting way.
“Our intention is also to help address funeral poverty which affects some of our most vulnerable residents. The build will contain environmentally-conscious features, through its design and the use of technology.
“The site would be run by the local authority for our local communities and so it is essential that we listen to local residents, communities and businesses about what is important to them when attending a crematorium and their aspirations for this site.
“The council’s priorities are to support local residents and businesses, grow the local economy and value our environment and we are confident that this project will contribute to all those goals.”
The proposed site of the crematorium is off Lelley Road, near Preston, in Holderness and it is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted later this year.
