THE COMPANY behind plans for a new crematorium near Oswestry has said more work must be done before they commit to the project.

The Westerleigh Group revealed its proposal to build and manage the single-storey building off the old A5 in Nesscliffe last month when it hosted a public exhibition.

They have now confirmed background work is being carried out in conjunction with Shropshire Council before a formal planning application is submitted.

It comes after the company submitted an application for a screening opinion last week.

A spokesperson for the Westerleigh Group said: “We have received positive feedback from the exhibition that we held at Nesscliffe Village Hall in September. 

"We will obtain a screening opinion from the council as to whether an Environmental Impact Assessment would be needed before deciding whether to submit a formal planning application.”

The proposed building would include 96-seat chapel, a waiting room, public toilets, administrative offices and a crematory, and parking for more than 80 vehicles.

In the grounds there would be a memorial park with landscaped areas, a scattering lawn, and space for ‘living memorials’ where trees could be dedicated to loved ones.

The Westerleigh Group expects to hold around four funerals a day at the new site.

They say it is needed as the nearest serving the Oswestry area currently are Shrewsbury and Pentrebychan in Wrexham with journeys taking more than 30 minutes in a cortège.

The spokesperson added: “If we apply and receive permission to build a crematorium on the site near Nesscliffe, travel times to funerals for families from Oswestry and surrounding villages will be significantly reduced.”