RAF warns of fears over new Shropshire crematorium plan
The RAF has warned the building of a crematorium in north Shropshire could throw the future use of a nearby army camp into doubt.
Nesscliff army camp is regularly used to train helicopter pilots and simulate battles for exercises as well as being used for training soldiers and cadets in the use of explosives.
But plans for a new crematorium, to be sited close to the village of Nesscliffe and put forward by Westerleigh, who run crematoria across the country, have sparked fears over the future site of the base.
The RAF Helicopter Noise Liaison Group has said the plans, which are to go before members of Shropshire Council’s planning committee on Thursday, will cause “irreversible and detrimental effects on the tri-service helicopter training from RAF Shawbury.”
A submission from the RAF added: “Nesscliff camp is a major part of LFA 9 (Low Fly Area 9). Having to avoid overflights of funerals at the crematorium would possibly result in the use of Nesscliff Camp by the RAF as unsuitable in the future, concentrating the low level helicopter activity over the rest of LFA 9.”
The Ministry of Defence has also raised concerns over the plan for the crematorium, stating: “
Whilst activity may be focussed on RAF Shawbury and the Relief Landing Grounds of Tern Hill and Chetwynd, a substantial amount of aircraft movements take place into, out of and around Nesscliff Training Area.
“The proposed crematorium site, by virtue of its location, may experience unavoidable noise and disturbance from both low flying aircraft and the training area, any impact exacerbated by the noise sensitivity of the intended use.
“It should be noted that due to the position of the proposed site, avoiding daily funeral services would effectively funnel Defence Helicopter Flying School aircraft, potentially creating a noise nuisance elsewhere, and increasing the likelihood of a mid-air collision.”
Supporters of the scheme claim the crematorium will ease pressure on existing facilities in Shrewsbury and Wrexham. But others say the development would detract from the beauty of the surrounding area.
