Leicestershire says no to Hindu and Sikh crematorium

Plans to build a Hindu and Sikh crematorium in the Leicestershire countryside were rejected last week over a range of concerns, according to Tess Rushin.

Although the applicant argued there was a clear and significant religious need for the facility, objections related to parking, access, and the overall impact on the area ultimately led to the proposal being denied.

The proposal, submitted by Ben Copeland of the CDS Group, first came to light in September and focused on Scraptoft Lodge Farm, located on Keyham Lane in East Scraptoft. The project aimed to demolish a late 19th-century farmhouse and associated outbuildings to make way for a purpose-built crematorium, complete with a dining hall and parking area.

The crematorium was designed to serve Leicestershire’s Hindu and Sikh communities. However, the proposal generated mixed reactions from the public. While 56 letters of support were received by Harborough District Council (HDC), there were also more than 30 objections. Concerns were raised about the design, the site’s accessibility, and the adequacy of parking provisions.

One objector voiced particular concern about the strain the development could place on local roads: “Our primary concern centres on the anticipated traffic increase through an area already burdened with inadequate road infrastructure. The existing roads are narrow and poorly maintained, struggling to accommodate current traffic volumes. The addition of funeral processions and increased vehicle movements would exacerbate congestion and pose significant safety risks for both drivers and pedestrians.”

Supporters of the crematorium saw it as an important step toward inclusivity and environmental responsibility. One supporter wrote: “This facility has the potential to enhance the quality of life in Leicestershire, ensuring that we honour our diverse communities, while also taking meaningful strides toward environmental responsibility. I believe this project is essential for fostering inclusivity, meeting the needs of our growing population, and contributing to a more sustainable future.”

The proposed crematorium included two chapels, which were expected to host up to six ceremonies per day between them. Copeland stated there was a strong religious need for a culturally specific cremation site, especially for the Hindu and Sikh populations in the area.

However, Leicester City Council, which was consulted during the planning process, questioned the accuracy of the needs assessment included in the application. They argued that the document significantly overstated the lack of cremation capacity at other sites in Leicestershire, describing the figures as “misleading.”

Given the scale of public interest and the various concerns raised, the application was “called in” for discussion at a formal planning meeting by Harborough District Council. Planning officers ultimately recommended refusal, stating that the size, design, and location of the development would negatively affect the character of the surrounding countryside.

The council concluded that, while the intentions of the proposal were commendable, the overall impact on the area’s landscape and infrastructure outweighed the potential benefits. As a result, the application was rejected.