The RAF says it will direct any noise complaints from funeral goers about its helicopters to Shropshire Council, after plans for a crematorium were recommended for approval.

The proposal for land in Nesscliffe, between Oswestry and Shrewsbury, was deferred in March over concerns raised by the RAF over low flying training and noise.

But Shropshire Council’s North Planning Committee is set to discuss the plans again on Thursday, with members recommended to delegate a decision to the planning services manager, who will grant it approval.

In response, the RAF said it will direct any noise complaints it receives about its training to Shropshire Council.

The RAF said it will soon be back to 1,300 helicopter movements a month at the site and warned it would not change its programme or “risk collisions”.

A spokesman for RAF Shawbury said: “We will soon be up to 1,300 approaches a month. 

“This will create an almost persistent presence in and around the Nesscliffe Training Area, with constant use of Pigeon Wood. 

“The effect of our flying training will be to introduce potentially significant noise into the proposed crematorium area on a constant basis.

“It should be noted that I will not be able to alter the current flying pattern in and around the Nesscliffe training area. 

“To do so would lead to the funnelling of activity that would impact on the deconfliction of helicopter traffic entering and leaving Nesscliffe training area and increase the risk of mid-air collision. 

“I would like to place on record that if RAF Shawbury receives noise complaints relating to the proposed crematorium, the complainants will be referred to Shropshire Council’s Planning Department.”

The development was criticised by members previously, who said it would be better located either in the south of the county or east of Shrewsbury.

Concerns were also raised by a parish councillor, who worried smells for a nearby chicken farm could have a negative impact on services held at the crematorium.

In his report to the committee, Kevin Hall, planning case officer, said: “This application was presented to the March meeting of the central planning committee, with an officer recommendation that planning permission is granted subject to conditions. 

“At that meeting members resolved that consideration of the application be deferred to a future meeting of the committee to allow the opportunity for a more independent need assessment and an additional noise assessment. 

“Since that time, in line with the request of members, officers have commissioned an independent assessment of the need for the crematorium.”

He added: “A noise impact assessment has been undertaken to support the proposed development.

“Due to the close proximity of the A5 trunk road, vehicle noise is considered the key noise source likely to impact the proposed development. 

“The noise impact assessment considers the nature and sensitivity of the type of development would be considered a sensitive receptor therefore has been considered against the criteria for listening (place of worship, meditation, relaxation) which is accepted. 

“The assessment determined that the predicted chapel internal noise levels met the criteria when windows were closed however internal noise levels were exceeded when windows were opened for ventilation purposes. 

“Mitigation is therefore proposed by installing trickle vents for ventilation which appears an appropriate and acceptable solution.”

The meeting will be held at Shirehall at 2pm on Thursday.