Crematorium faces new planning hurdle

They have applied Article 31 to the application, meaning it could be referred to a public inquiry.

The most recent application by Mr D Lewis and Mr J Lewis in December 2010 for a cemetery and crematorium including access road, car parking and landscaping at lands opposite 3 and 5, Lisburn Road, Moira has raised questions amongst local people.

0rla Dickinson who lives in Glebe Gardens in Moira said she has concerns abut the proposed development, which has potential for up to 9000 burial plots

“I am very concerned that the majority of Moira’s residents are unaware of this proposal as very few have requested to view the Environmental Impact Study or non-technical summary at Lisburn City Library” she said.

“I had understood that this proposed location is deemed a greenbelt area and I cannot see how erecting a crematorium and chapel building with 300 parking spaces could have a positive effect on the local character and landscape of this rural area.”

She went on: “After studying the non-technical summary of the proposal my over-riding concern is the lack of attention given to the potential effect this proposal would have on the traffic and roads into the village. The A3 Lisburn Road is a protected route and the only access into Moira from Lisburn and the M1 motorway. This road is already an extremely busy route for traffic and the Roads Service have acknowledged the difficulties local residents experience in travelling through the village on a routine basis.”

“I am concerned with the proposal to introduce a right turning lane from the A3 for access into the crematorium. I can only imagine that the traffic resulting in the proposed 10 crematoriums and five burial funerals a day will significantly increase the traffic congestion issues and cause even more frustration for local residents. I hope that the Planning Service will give these issues serious consideration. This proposed location is not suitable for a crematorium.”

Consultants have said there is a clear and identified need for additional cremation facilities in Northern Ireland.

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