COUNCILLORS have voted to approve plans for a new crematorium in Bierley - despite an MP’s calls for the decision to be deferred.

But because the site, off Shetcliffe Lane, is on Green Belt, the Secretary of State could still halt the plans.

At an online meeting of Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee this morning, members were told that objectors to the planned crematorium included Bradford South MP Judith Cummins and the landowners.

The facility will replace Scholemoor Crematorium, which members were told was “past its sell by date.”

They heard that crematorium did not comply with new environmental laws, including ones that limit the amount of mercury that can be released by cremation ovens, and that the new equipment was too large to be installed in the Grade II listed building.

Planning officers said rules on where crematoria can be built - at least 200 yards from a house, meant there were no other sites in the South of the District suitable for a replacement for Scholemoor.

Only one other site, Littlemoor Park in Queensbury, had made the shortlist of possible locations for a replacement, but this was dropped in 2019.

A report by planning officers had urged the committee to approve the plans.

Heaton crematorium plan passes final hurdle as Secretary of State declines to 'call in' decision

It said that despite the development being “inappropriate” due to it being in the Green Belt, officers felt it met the “extraordinary circumstances” needed to push a Green Belt development ahead.

There had been 39 objections to the plans, including from Mrs Cummins and residents who feared the facility would lead to traffic problems, spoil the landscape and increase pollution.

Mrs Cummins had written to planning officers since their report recommending approval was written last week.

She pointed out that with the planning application being submitted during the Covid pandemic, there was no opportunity for any public meetings where objectors could gather to share their views.

She also questioned whether the plans complied with national guidance on where crematoria can be built,

Referring to concerns that the site was too isolated for people to visit by means other than car, planning officer Malcolm Joy told members that there was a bus stop around 400 metres from the site.

Councillor Kausar Mukhtar (Lab Tong) spoke in support of the plans. She said she had heard residents concerns and looked closely at the application. She said: “Some raised concerns about pollution. Scholemoor is past its sell by date, and is more polluting. These more up to date ones capture the pollution rather than release them into the air. This would be better for the environment than what we have at Scholemoor.

“Whenever there is a planned development in an area, even if it is a neighbour’s extension, people will have concerns. People never want development near to their homes - it is a fear of the unknown. But I think this will be a positive development.”

John Kirkham spoke on behalf of the land owner, a Mrs Driver, saying she did not support the plans, and felt that the Council had not demonstrated the necessary circumstances to overcome the Green belt issue. They had suggested an alternative location on the same plot of land - the meeting was told.

He said: “If this is approved it could lead to the Council forcibly purchasing private land. You should give this special scrutiny and delay the decision to allow for the land owner’s objections to be overcome.”

Mr Joy said: “There has been a thorough search for possible sites and this is the most appropriate one. A compulsory purchase order could be used if required.”

Edward Flood, who helped draw up the plans, told members “No other alternative sites are suitable.”

Councillor John Pennington (Cons, Bingley) said he felt the Committee was being rushed into making a decision on the plan, and said: “I don’t think we should be using Green belt for this.”

He proposed the committee defer the decision.

However, his suggestion was not supported by other members, who then voted to approve the plans.

Although Bradford Council has approved the scheme, the Secretary of State can still “call in” the decision, meaning it has to be re-considered.

Until he makes his decision, the plan has not technically been approved.