Shirebrook crematorium part 2

Today’s STC meeting was attended by representatives of the BDC who made the first public presentation on a plan to build a crematorium in Shirebrook. I would like to stress that the whole idea is only in the planning stage – nothing has been finally decided and sealed yet.

The word “approved”, which I found in the BDC documents, meant only an agreement to develop the project to a further phase. Of course, most of these next steps will continue to be surrounded by secrecy (exempt). Still, the most essential information for residents has been officially declassified. Among them- the proposed design of the project.

After the first publication on this subject, I received several messages from concerned residents living near the planned crematorium site. On their behalf, I asked BDC staff some questions. I hope that their answers should clear up most of the concerns. More about that a little later.

BEFORE WE BREAK THE GROUND
Before construction can start, the BDC still has to carry out public consultations; draw up a detailed cost estimate; persuade STC councillors to agree to “give up” the land for the investment; select a possible contractor and what technical solutions to use, plus probably a thousand other things required for this type of project. All this has to happen before the first shovel is driven into the ground. In other words – the project is still in its early stages.

COMPETITION DOESN’T SLEEP
Shirebrook is not the only town that was considered for the location of this development. The other very good location that is competing with our town is Creswell. If the people of Shirebrook and STC reject this idea – the project will still go ahead, but the millions of pounds that BDC will spend on the development will go to Creswell, not Shirebrook. It is not just the millions that will be spent on the building that is at stake – the future distribution of any profits from the operation of the crematorium, the extra jobs, the prestige, the increased number of people visiting the town are also at stake. What part of the profit should go to the STC is also not decided. Still, considering the poor financial situation of our town – every income should be welcomed like salvation.

CONCERNS: POLLUTION
Two issues dominated the concerns I received: air pollution and increased traffic levels. Regarding the first issue: the project leaders are considering different technical solutions, but whichever one is chosen, the priority will be to insist on the cleanest possible operation and modern filter technology. From what I understand, the best chance to use the system is an electric system combined with a number of hi-tech filters, which will ensure that the area around the crematorium will not be covered with smoke. Furthermore, to dispel the councillors’ doubts on this issue, an inspection/trip to one of the crematoria operating in the area will be organised to assess the impact of such an institution on the area.

Additionally – in accordance with legal regulations – the crematorium must be located at a safe distance from residential buildings (the investment must be situated beyond the red lines).


As the area in which BDC plans to invest reaches up to Common Lane, the right side of the site is intended as (this is my name, not the project’s one) “buffer zone”. This will extend between the crematorium car park and Common Lane. The land cannot be used for any other purpose anyway. Using it in this way will give mourners peace, security, discretion and privacy.


The plan also includes an area where mourners can meet before or after the service. On the right side of this area, there is a space where refreshments can be arranged for guests. This area is unfortunate on the plan to be called a ‘cafe’, but as BDC staff have assured us, it will be something much more appropriate for this location. Finally, on the right-hand side, there will be something like a small garden. This area is to be decorated with a water feature and planted with ornamental plants. According to the project, after some time, the plants will achieve the appearance intended by the designer, and this place will turn into an oasis of peace and quiet, where mourners will have a place to sit on a bench or take a walk and remember their loved ones with family and friends.


This development arrangement ensures that residents on the east side of Common Lane will not even notice that a funeral is taking place across the street.

CONCERNS: TRAFFIC
The second controversial issue is traffic. Here I was preceded by Cllr Brian Murray-Carr, who asked some questions on this issue. Generally, the development will increase traffic in the area – this is unavoidable. However, the increase in traffic will be during the day, and thanks to the solutions decided on in the project- the nuisance will be minimised. (edit: my proposal to change double T junction into roundabout sounds even better now).

The first element which reduces the traffic load in this part of the town is the location of the entrance to the complex from the north and not from the east of the building plot. This road is much less used than Common Lane. The second element to relieve traffic congestion is the car park located on the crematorium site. It will ensure that the surrounding roads are not blocked with parked cars of mourners and visitors.

The hearses will enter directly into the courtyard of the crematorium, and the mourners will enter the car park from where they will walk to the building through the tranquillity courtyard. As can be seen from the design, this area is surrounded by a wall to unload the coffin in dignified conditions, away from unwanted gazes.


SUMMARY
I know that a crematorium is not the sort of investment that residents have been calling for. Probably no one has thought about it. But Shirebrook needs investment, new jobs, income. Many people accuse me of only criticising STC and the Labour Party. I criticise because that is my role as an opposition councillor. To be honest, they provide me with so much to criticise that I have my hands full. However, I have always promised that if I have anything to praise the Labour Party for, I will.

Today, for the first time in the history of S247– I see that there is a glimmer of hope that one day I will have to fulfil my promise. I will have to praise the Labour Party. If they bring this project to the finishing line, and if they win STC a good deal with BDC. I will keep eye on them.

There is still a long way to go. A lot can happen, including that the project will go to another town or the deal will be unfavourable to the STC, and we will get a handful of pence in exchange for land of huge financial value. However, there is a good chance that for the first time in many years, Shirebrook will receive a significant cash injection – all residents should keep their fingers crossed for this project to become a reality.

Below you can see the rest of the photos which were not used in the BDC presentation to illustrate the above text. The usual report from the STC meeting should be published at the usual time (Monday morning).

Sylwester Zwierzynski info@shirebrook247.com