PLANS for a crematorium on Thurrock green belt have been refused for a second time.

MMD Developments Ltd hoped to build a crematorium within borough boundaries behind Wick Place Cottage on the busy A128 Brentwood Road.

Councillors on Thurrock's planning committee vetoed the plan on the grounds the crematorium would be in the wrong location and that a need for the service had not been established. It had been recommended for refusal by planning officers.

Currently there is no crematorium within the borough, with the nearest being at Corbets Tye near Upminster in the west and Pitsea Crematorium in the east.

A previous application for a crematorium on the site, together with a private doctor's surgery and a care home was refused in 2021.

At the committee meeting on Thursday, Russel Barnes, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said: "There is currently no crematorium in Thurrock and based on the applicant's engagement with a range of local faith leaders there is a clear desire and need for one.

"The vision is deliver a responsive development that makes use of a tranquil setting and the opportunity to have a quiet reflective space within the countryside to provide a cremation service that is inclusive, peaceful and respectful of all faiths in a rural setting."

Cllr Tom Kelly, Conservative councillor for Little Thurrock Rectory welcomed the application. He said: "I think this is a fantastic opportunity. I do think Thurrock does needs a crematorium. Other crematoriums are at full capacity. It's not fair more urban areas have to take all these developments."

However, the council received 16 objections from residents, with concerns including the proposed development was too close to residential properties, in an unsustainable location with poor access to the site by foot, car, bicycle and public transport.

Cllr Barry Johnson, Conservative councillor for Orsett, said: "The most important factor is the possibility of so many vehicles entering from and exiting onto the A128 in such large groups that funeral processions are likely to facilitate will see this road become even more of a hazard and its far too close residential properties which will disrupt village life."

A statement by Janet McShane, the chairman of Bulphan Village Community Forum, was read to the committee.

It said: "I express our objection to the outline planning application for the crematorium project which represents inappropriate development within the green belt and would do significant harm to our local landscape and environment.

"The proposal raises a long list of technical concerns. The applicant has also failed to provide any credible evidence that there is a justified need for the facility in this location."