SAVE OUR GREEN BELT
SAY NO TO THE CREMATORIUM!
This is a campaign against a proposal to build a crematorium on our green belt
MAKE A DONATION
THE REIGATE CREMATORIUM PLANNING APPLICATION HAS NOW BEEN SUBMITTED
PLANNING REF: 21/00192/F
Comments can still be submitted, all comments relating to material planning matters must be considered by the planning team.
HOW TO RESPOND:
Submit Comments via the planning portal
Email objections to: James.Amos@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Write to: Mr. J Amos, Planning, Reigate & Banstead BC, Town Hall, Castle field Road, Reigate, RH2 0SH
In conjunction with our appointed experts WGSPG have submitted detailed objections, refer to NEWS for further information.
Please see NEWS for additional information and campaign updates
The council states they want to deliver a 'local' service. We are not against this intention, however consider the chosen site, opposite Earlswood Lakes is inappropriate for a variety of reasons.
THIS PROPOSAL WILL IRREVOCABLY REMOVE LAND FROM OUR GREEN BELT.
DEVELOPMENT ON GREEN BELT MUST BE SUPPORTED BY A 'ROBUST' EVIDENCE OF NEED AND DEMONSTRATE THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE SITE.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR APPOINTED EXPERTS, WE CONSIDER THE APPLICATION LACKS A ROBUST ASSESSMENT OF NEED, AND THE SITE SELECTION PROCESS FLAWED.
SAY NO - SAVE OUR GREEN BELT AND OBJECT TO THE PLANS FOR A PROPOSED CREMATORIUM
THE PROPOSAL
- Site approximately 4.98ha of Green Belt land
- Single storey building of around 870 sqm
- A 120-mourner crematorium and memorial garden
- Able to host 8 services per day
- Circa 500 vehicle trips per day during busiest periods
- Gardens open all year round
- Access roads (encroaching on the allotments)
- Car park and access (impacting football pitches and sports use)
- Service yard and parking
Formal planning has not yet been submitted - once submitted, we will be scrutinising the application and all associated documents thoroughly.
FOLLOW US AND HAVE YOUR SAY!WE SAY NO!
More information about the planning proposal can be found at: reigate-banstead.gov.uk/crematorium
WE SAY NO! THE POTENTIAL IMPACT
LOSS OF GREEN BELT
Creating this crematorium will result in removal of land from the green belt, once gone it is gone forever. This is green belt land that is used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
'Once Green Belts have been defined, local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance their beneficial use, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; to retain and enhance landscapes, visual amenity and biodiversity; or to improve damaged and derelict land.'
'Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances.'
We say NO.
LOSS OF, OR HARM TO NATURAL HABITAT AND BIODIVERSITY
This is a designated Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) and the harm could be catastrophic to a large array of local wildlife. Such sites are specifically designated, according to strict criteria, because they perform a particular function, encouraging local bio-diversity and habitat protection. Extensive construction and loss of open space risks resulting in signifiant harm to the local wildlife, habitat and bio-diversity.
We say NO.
HARM TO HEALTH/ENVIRONMENT
Cremations release greenhouse gases and other chemicals that may be present in the body, such as mercury, dioxins and furans.
Carbon Dioxide - '1,000 cremations per annum equals 150 tonnes per year of carbon this equals 1,229,508 car carbon kilometres annually. .' CDS Group.
It can take one to two hours to cremate a body, depending on weight or size and performance of the cremator.
There is an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of cremations, alternatives are emerging.
Exposure to potential harmful emissions and damage to long term impact on the environment -
We say NO.
LOSS OF ACCESS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION
Grass roots sports play a key role in our communities. Playing sport is associated with positive quality of life benefits to all layers of society, and in some cases these benefits are higher for those from socially disadvantaged groups.
Loss of New Pond Farm football pitches.
We say NO.
There is increasingly compelling evidence showing that access to greenspaces really matters for our health.' - Public Health England, Improving Access to Greenspace - A new review for 2020.
Loss of green space
We say NO.
INCREASED TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION
Additional pressure on Woodhatch Road, nearby junctions and access to local schools.
We say NO.
LOSS OF ALLOTMENTS
Allotments are permitted use of green belt, and are impacted by this development.
We say NO.
The full impact of this proposal cannot be determined until formal planning and accompanying reports are made available. The consultation Q&A response being somewhat lacking in detail.
Additional land also under threat of being removed from the Green Belt, South Park & Woodhatch
260
Sandcross Lane
Urban extension on previously Green Belt land - approximately 260 homes
10
Land west of Castle Drive
Urban extension on previously Green Belt land - approximately 10 new homes
25
Hartswood Nursery
Urban extension on previously Green Belt land - approximately 25 new homes
100
Land at Dovers Farm
Urban extension on previously Green Belt land - approximately 100 new homes
Other proposals within Reigate:
The Canon site -
- Relocation of Surrey County Council offices
- Relocation of Reigate Priory school
Source: Development Management Plan Regulation 19 Fact Sheet