Grieving families often try to avoid existing crematoria – citing long travel times and outdated facilities – a planning application for a new crematorium at Brereton has said.
Congleton Crematorium Ltd has submitted a planning application for a crematorium, parking area, and associated works on land at the junction of the A534 and Pitcher Lane, Brereton, and as part of its application sought the views of local undertakers – all of whom said the existing crematoria were old, out-of-date and often avoided.
Macclesfield came in for particular criticism, its traffic light system making families feel as if they were on a conveyor belt, but Crewe – like Macclesfield, a Victorian building in the middle of a cemetery – was also felt to be unfit for purpose.
The planning application for the new facility said it aimed to offer “a more pleasant experience” and reduce journey times for bereaved families.
The 4.4-hectare site would remain largely landscaped to provide a peaceful setting for reflection.
According to the application, the building and car park would be located near the A534 and an existing field gate to minimise impact on the road network. Access to adjacent land under the same ownership would be retained. The car park would include regular and disabled bays, with overflow parking available within the site boundary if needed.
The gardens would feature a returning footpath with seating, planting, and trees. Covered seating areas are proposed to offer shelter and quiet space for reflection. A stand-alone remembrance room would overlook a pond that forms part of the site’s sustainable drainage system, and a public sculpture area is also planned. Informal mown paths would provide access to other parts of the grounds.
The application said that existing crematoria were operating above their core capacity — “core” defined as funerals held at preferred times.
Macclesfield Crematorium was at 117% of core capacity, Birches at Northwich at 110.5%, Carmountside in Stoke at 100.4%, Bradwell, also Stoke, at 97%, and Crewe at 73.5%. These figures are based on current service intervals.
If local authority crematoria (Bradwell, Carmountside, Crewe and Macclesfield) were to offer 60-minute services to improve quality, it would reduce availability and increase delays between death and funeral, the application said.
A projected 23.4% increase in annual deaths by 2047 is expected to further strain capacity.
Reducing service intervals to increase availability would affect service quality. Currently, Bradwell offers 40-minute intervals, Carmountside 30 minutes, and Crewe and Macclesfield 45 minutes, with only one 60-minute slot daily. Birches and Vale Royal offer 60-minute intervals.
The application argued that existing facilities could not meet current or future demand for cremation services at preferred times, and local undertakers expressed strong support.
Alan Finneron of West Street, Congleton, said: “I have worked in the funeral profession in the Congleton area for the past 35 years and believe that this is a much-needed facility and will significantly improve the welfare of bereaved families.”
Larvin and Clegg Funeral Care, Antrobus Street, called the proposal “necessary,” while Joseph Edwards and Sons, Alsager, said it would “make a meaningful difference.” Williams and Lowe in Sandbach described it as “an excellent facility” and “a huge benefit to our Sandbach community.” Claire Copestick of John Garside and Son agreed that more capacity was “desperately needed,” and Dolven Funeral Services said there was “an urgent need” for better provision in this part of Cheshire.
Support also came from clergy and celebrants.
The Rev Ian Enticott, rector of All Saints Church, Congleton, said: “There is a great need for a modern facility close by the town.”
Stephen Hodgkinson MBE, leader of New Life Church, called it “a very timely development,” and civil celebrant Fran Tindall said she and many local funeral directors “wholeheartedly support” the application.
Travel
Undertakers also highlighted the burden of travel to the current crematoria.
Three Shires Funeral Services said families from Congleton often faced 30–35 minute journeys to Macclesfield, which they find “arduous” during grief. Northwich crematoria offered better standards but required 40-minute journeys, often involving congested M6 crossings.
Joseph Edwards and Sons noted that Crewe Crematorium, though nearest, remained “unwelcoming and dated.” Carmountside is 45 minutes away and was rarely used by Alsager families, the firm said.
Williams and Lowe said Bradwell and Macclesfield were “instantly dismissed” by clients as too far and “unpleasant”. Mr Finneron added that Birches took 34–40 minutes to reach, with M6 delays common, and that Macclesfield’s service was “relatively poor.” Dolven said Biddulph’s need was “as strong as for Congleton,” with Carmountside and Bradwell both requiring 35–40 minute journeys or more. Macclesfield, at 45–50 minutes, “is not considered a choice.” Three Shires described Macclesfield’s facilities as “poor and outdated,” calling it “a relic” with few improvements since its conversion from a burial chapel over 70 years ago.
Families found it “austere and unwelcoming,” and the traffic light system used to manage funeral timings added to the sense of being “on a conveyor belt.” Fran Tindall said Carmountside felt “awful,” with mourners from one funeral often crossing paths with the next.
”The building is crumbling,” she added, “and I often worry that plaster will fall on the mourners’ heads.”
The application reference for the new crematorium is 25/4178/FUL. The last date for comments is 4th December.
(Image: Congleton Crematorium Ltd).
