A new crematorium could be built in Maldon to stop bereaved families from taking long trips to other facilities in the county which are 'unable to cope with demand'.

An application for a brand new crematorium in Maldon has been submitted to the local district council by Maldon Fields Ltd, and will be voted on next week (February 8).

Local funeral directors have said facilities in Chelmsford, Basildon and Colchester are unable to meet current demand, resulting in delays to ceremonies and a poor standard of service.

Paul King, who runs a funeral directors which operates across south Essex, said in a letter of support: "The majority of families that we look after use Chelmsford crematorium which is often very busy and unable to cope with today's demand.

"This is unsurprising as the preference for cremation has grown considerably since it was built in 1961, way beyond its original design. This leads to delays, congestion on-site and a strained experience for the bereaved on the most difficult days for them."

Mr King continues to say journey times from Maldon to Chelmsford crematorium can take as long as 45 minutes, and up to an hour for Basildon and Colchester which are the next nearest.

But some residents are opposing the application, raising concerns over increased traffic and noise from the development.

In her objection, resident Janet Doe said: "This stretch of the A414 has seen numerous accidents over the years many involving overtaking on the bend at the brow of the hill close to the proposed site entrance ."

The proposals themselves would consist of a two storey crematorium building with a ceremonial hall, memorial garden and access from the A414.

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The north western area planning committee will meet to decide on whether to approve the plans, which would be in open grassland opposite St Margaret's Church in Maldon Road.

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