Flintshire crematorium plan for Northop angers opponents

Campaigners have criticised plans for a new crematorium in a Flintshire village.

Funeral director Edward Davies says a new facility at Northop, near Mold, would reduce pressure on existing crematoria where it can take three weeks to book services.

He is due to submit his proposals to Flintshire council on Monday.

But some residents say it will lead to traffic problems through the village.

They are also concerned about the building's effect on the landscape and have set up a campaign group called No 2 Northop Crem.

Mr Davies said he had been looking for a suitable plot in the county for a number of years before buying 22 acres of land on the Flint road close to the A55 dual carriageway.

He said the site had potential for access without a funeral cortege having to pass people's homes.

Currently, Flintshire residents use crematoria facilities in Chester, Wrexham and Colwyn Bay.

Campaigners claim Flintshire council does not include a crematorium in its 10-year Unitary Development Plan (UDP) which they say suggests there is no need for such a facility.

Flintshire council said: "Crematoria are not included in the county's Unitary Development Plan but this does not prevent an application being submitted to and considered by the planning authority against the policies of the UDP."

A spokesman added that once plans are formally submitted consultation can begin to gather residents' views.