PLANS for a new crematorium in Thurrock have been shown at Orsett Hall and released online.

An exhibition took place last week over an afternoon and evening, setting out plans to build a new crematorium off the A128. Overall, around 50 people attended.

There was widespread recognition that a new crematorium was needed for the area.

The district does not currently have a crematorium of its own, with bereaved residents having to travel to very busy crematoria at Basildon or South Essex Crematorium near Upminster.

This usually means a long wait for a funeral slot and journey times of 30 minutes or more for a funeral cortege.

The developer, Elegy Ltd, explained that the site was chosen after an exhaustive search for sites and, if an appropriate site for a crematorium is to be found in Thurrock, there is no alternative to having it in on Green Belt land.

Elegy says it has begun dialogue with some of the closest neighbours about landscaping and road improvements and have given assurances that funerals will take place at off peak times when the traffic is lighter. 

Improvements to the A128 will include new signage and a new right hand turning lane with capacity for up to eight cars, so that existing traffic can continue smoothly. The developer indicated that it was also prepared to carry out other works and measures to assist with road safety.

Chief Executive of Elegy Ltd, Richard Evans, adds: "We were pleased to see so many people taking an interest. I appreciate that we are still at a very early stage but this is an encouraging start.

"No-one thinks the existing crematoria serve the needs of the Thurrock district well and there appears to be widespread support for a new crematorium to be based in Thurrock."

Mr Evans said the new Elegy crematorium would be "state-of-the art, set in a parkland landscape, allowing families to hold a less hurried, more dignified service of remembrance for their loved ones."

In December 2024, Elegy opened Maldon Fields, Essex's newest crematorium. 

James Cooper is a celebrant who uses numerous facilities throughout London and Essex nd he has sung the praises of Maldon Fields, saying he was struck by how beautiful it was.

Mr Cooper added: "The building, its landscaping and open areas made it a very calming and welcoming venue for bereaved family members who were there to say goodbye to their loved one. I am aware that there are proposals for a similar venue to built in Orsett which I support wholeheartedly.

"I believe that it will provide a tranquil and peaceful setting for the community to use to say goodbye to their loved ones and will be a venue that the residents of Thurrock can be proud of."

David Cotton of DJ Cotton and Sons Funeral Directors in Stanford-le-Hope said: "I believe this proposal would benefit the local community greatly as wait times for the nearest crematoriums can range from anything between two to four weeks at present which has a negative effect on the process and the families, prolonging their loved one's services."

And Jeremy West, of West & Coe Funeral Directors who are the largest funeral directors in Thurrock, also gave his support, saying: "I welcome the plan for this new crematorium at Orsett. I think it will offer something quite different and special."

Elegy continues to want to hear from residents and hear their concerns. 

The plans can be viewed at www.elegy.co.uk where residents can submit comments online. Extra plans added to website to show how building will sit into the landscape.