Concern raised over Fladbury crematorium proposal

The new facility, proposed by the Westerleigh Group, could be built off the A44 at Fladbury Cross.

But Constance Elias, who lives near the potential crematorium site in Fladbury, is worried emissions from the building could have a negative impact on nearby residents.

"The stretch of the A44 between Fladbury and Pinvin appears to have been designated as the waste belt of Wychavon," said the 44-year-old.

"In addition to the landfill site at Throckmorton and the bio-digester in the same village, there is now a proposal for a crematorium at Fladbury.

"Altogether, it is fair to assume that the emissions from the crematorium will in no way contribute to the health of Fladbury residents, including young children at Fladbury First School, and that the full extent of the harmfulness is as yet unknown.

"My concerns are very deep-seated. The environment is not a hobby for health and nature freaks, the environment is us.

"What I would like to see is a far-sighted government that safeguards its citizens from constant and involuntary toxic exposure.

"Then I will be happily cremated at Fladbury."

Steve Bucknell, development director at Westerleigh Group, reassured the public that modern crematoria processes are "clean to air" and "highly regulated" – with no mercury released into the atmosphere.

He said: "It is very strictly regulated, our crematoria would be fully filtrated and fully abated. All mercury is removed.

"The chimneys are really quite low and that is because of the advanced filtration equipment.

"All gases that come off in a crematorium process go through a filter and all of those harmful things are absorbed into the carbon powder and that is taken away to be disposed of."

Earlier this year, the developer invited members of the public to see plans for the facility at a series of exhibitions in Evesham, Pershore and Fladbury.

The plans will be submitted for the crematorium which, if built, could host an average four funerals a day.