A proposal to build a new crematorium in the Shropshire countryside has been deferred because of concerns over noise.

Shropshire Council’s central planning committee voiced a number of concerns over the plans for land north of Nesscliffe, between Oswestry and Shrewsbury.

The plans, submitted by Mr Ed Aldridge, said it would ease pressure on current crematoriums in the region and was in the “perfect location”.

But the Ministry of Defence (MoD) voiced concerns over low-flight exercises it operates between RAF Shawbury and the Nesscliffe training site.

And councillors said they feared traffic issues and smells from a nearby chicken farm could be a problem.

Local member, Councillor Ed Potter, said: “Nesscliffe could end up becoming known as the village you go to to despatch your dead. That’s not something anybody is looking forward to.

“Nesscliffe has a beautiful landscape and attracts tourists. We don’t want it known by that tag.”

And Councillor Nick Hignett added: “I worry about the noise of traffic from the A5 and the overhead flying.

“I am also concerned about smells from the chicken farm nearby. If the wind is going in a certain direction I do not think it would be a nice smell or environment to spend your final moments with the dearly departed.”

Members agreed to defer the plans for an additional needs assessment. It will come back to the committee in the near future.

Officers had recommend the plan is given the go-ahead through the planning services manager – on the basis a number of conditions are adhered to during the planning and construction.

The meeting heard the proposal has been subject to a number of objections, including from the RAF Helicopter Noise Liaison Group, which says it may consider not using the Nesscliffe Camp in future, should the plans go ahead.

In its objection, the group said: “The development of a crematorium would have irreversible and detrimental effects on the tri-service helicopter training from RAF Shawbury.

“Nesscliffe camp is a major part of LFA 9 (Low Fly Area 9). Having to avoid overflights of funerals at the crematorium would possibly result in the use of Nesscliffe Camp by the RAF as unsuitable in the future, concentrating the low level helicopter activity over the rest of LFA 9.”

More than 17 objections have also been lodged by members of the public, with concerns including the site not being favoured by local undertakers, the lack of need for a crematorium in the area and its proximity to homes. There have also been five letters of support.

Kelvin Hall, the council’s planning officer on the case, said: “This application seeks planning permission for the construction of a crematorium on land to the north of Nesscliffe.

“The proposed building would include a chapel and associated porch, vestry and waiting  room; a cremator room; a reception, general offices and storage.

“The need report suggests that the proposed crematorium would be the nearest facility for nearly 92,000 people, and a total of 85,000 people would live within a 30-minute cortege drive time of it.

“Based upon average deaths per year, cremation rates, and other factors, the applicant estimates that the facility could cater for around 838 cremations per year which would otherwise be held at less convenient sites.

“The planning application for a crematorium on land to the north of Nesscliffe demonstrates that existing crematoria in the area are operating significantly above their practical capacity.”

His added: “The existing land uses of the area, including MOD activity, have been taken into account and it is not considered that the proposal is incompatible with these.”