Worcester Crematorium Modernization Plan Advances

The multi-million-pound modernization of Worcester’s crematorium has advanced further towards implementation. Earlier this year, councillors at Astwood Crematorium gave their unanimous in-principle approval for replacing its three gas-powered cremation units. This modernization project, involving the installation of two contemporary electric furnaces at a cost of £5.5m, is projected to save the council £20,000 annually in energy expenses and reduce its anticipated carbon footprint by 18 per cent. However, the initiative requires planning permission, and an initial phase of this process, which involves evaluating the project’s potential for significant environmental impact, has now been successfully completed. Worcester City Council is proceeding based on a screening opinion indicating that the proposed development will not have a significant effect, thus eliminating the need for a distinct Environmental Impact Assessment. “There is no doubt that there are matters in relation to the potential development of the site for the intended purposes which may give rise to potential effects on the local environment.” “These will require further detailed assessment which would be expected to accompany any subsequent planning application which may be forthcoming,” according to city planners. “Nevertheless, such matters taken individually and cumulatively are not considered to be so significant or beyond more than local in terms of potential impact.” A £1.5m grant from Salix, a public body distributing government funds to assist authorities in reducing carbon emissions, will partially finance the £5.5m cost. This initiative forms part of a broader project to refurbish the crematorium site, which received endorsement from the council’s environment committee in July of the previous year. The broader project also encompasses an estimated £2.7m renovation of the crematorium building’s facade. Construction is slated to commence in May of next year and is anticipated to last approximately nine months, during which period the crematorium will be inaccessible to the public, though the cemetery will remain operational for burials. The city council stated during the summer that it was engaged in discussions to secure an alternative crematorium for families to utilize throughout the closure period. This report was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, an entity that covers local government bodies and other public service organizations. For updates, follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.