New crematorium plans take step forward

The council said it considered refurbishing the current Markeaton Crematorium

Plans for a new crematorium in Derby have taken a step forward.

Derby City Council's cabinet has approved proposals to allocate £889,501 for the design of a new crematorium at Markeaton.

The Labour-run council said equipment and the building at the existing crematorium - which opened in 1956 - were either "reaching or were beyond the end of their lifespan".

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave said: "We do need to have this facility, a city of this size should be able to have an attractive place for people to say their last goodbye to their dear ones."

Derby City Council said it looked at the option of refurbishing the current building but concluded it would cause a "high level" of disruption to services.

Council documents added the "most urgent" concern was that the site's cremators were beyond "end of life and at risk of failure".

The authority said developing a new crematorium, on the land next to the existing building, was the "most effective" way to secure a long-term service.

Liberal Democrat councillor Lucy Clare said the authority should consider the possibility of using the existing building as a cafe, but officers told the cabinet there was "no definitive" plan for the current building at this stage.

Council leader Nadine Peatfield said: "Obviously very much needed in our city, it's been a long time coming.

"I believe that the planning of this has been put off for some time previous to our administration, so I'm really glad that we are running with this and making it happen for our city."