Go ahead given for new bereavement centre

Councillors have paved the way for a new bereavement centre to be built on the grounds of a former outdoor activity site.

The Mepal Outdoor Centre near Ely was closed following a fire in 2016.

Members at the Conservative-controlled East Cambridgeshire District Council approved a business case for the bereavement centre at a meeting on Thursday.

However, the project has been opposed by some residents and opposition Liberal Democrats who have criticised an increase in costs.

The council says the centre will include a crematorium, natural burial area, pet cemetery, a function room for wakes, a memorial tributes walkway and a remembrance garden.

It will be set within flower meadows and woodland walks, with views overlooking a lake.

The site will be "skilfully developed to enhance the significant biodiversity and ecology" - the council says - and it is working with the Wildlife Trust because of a number of "endangered plants and animals" in the area.

A petition against the plans was set up by the Liberal Democrats who said it was a "grotesque waste of money" and pointed out it was only 12 miles away from another crematorium in the town of March.

They also criticised the cost of the scheme, which has risen from £8.2m to £13m, and said developers could be spending the money elsewhere.

Lorna Dupre, who leads the opposition group of councillors, said she did not believe it was a suitable site for a bereavement centre.

"Many residents have commented on the smell from the enormous next-door biodigester on the A142, and the thundering of the aggregate lorries from the gravel extraction sites across the road."

Anna Bailey, the Conservative leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said she was "delighted that after many, many years of planning, work is finally able to begin on the bereavement centre".

"Being able to say goodbye to a loved one in such a beautiful and tranquil lakeside setting – that not only protects, but enhances wildlife, is something this council is very proud to be able to deliver," said Bailey.

She said it was important the council invested in the "future of our community" as soon as possible, because the local authority is due to be dissolved within the next three years.

Councils are expected to be dismantled and replaced by larger local authorities as part of a major shake-up of local government.

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