Plans for a Crematorium near Caersws have been called in to be decided by planning committee

Caersws County Councillor Les George, who is also a member of the planning committee, has confirmed that he made the request earlier this month.

Powys Crematorium Limited intends to build an all-new crematorium at a 13.66 hectare site north of the B4568 road at Ael Y Bryn between Caersws and Aberhafesp.

The nearest crematoria are at Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury, which are both around 40 miles from the site.

The plans include providing a green burial site as well as create a garden of remembrance, new and improved access arrangements, and car parking area.

Councillor George said: “I have called it in. Some of the local residents have serious concerns.”

Caersws Community Council has also asked for people’s opinions on the proposed development before it also discusses the planning application at a future meeting,

The council had intended to set up a poll on its Facebook page but it didn’t work, so residents can leave comments and views on Facebook or email.

Powys County Councillor for Dolforwyn, Councillor Gareth Pugh is registered as the only company director for Powys Crematorium Limited on the Companies House website.

Councillor Pugh is a member of the county council’s Planning committee and he will be taking “no part” or commenting on the process.

To gauge the views of the community a month long pre-application consultation was held up to December 4, 2020 before the application was submitted at the end of December.

According to the pre-application report by agent, Alan Southerby, the idea has had a mixed reception with people both for, and against the proposal.

Mr Southerby said: “Following the pre-application consultation process, the application proposals remain essentially unchanged given that no overriding or fundamental objections were received to either the design or layout of the proposed development.”

To contact Caersws Community Council with your comments email clerk@caerswscommunitycouncil.co.uk