Leicestershire crematorium's bid for longer hours approved

A Leicestershire crematorium's bid for longer hours has been approved in spite of complaints about "constant hearses" in the area. Great Glen Crematorium had sought the change

to bring its weekend hours in line with the rest of the week. The plan, submitted by Westerleigh Group Ltd, was a variation of existing conditions on a previously approved application for

the London Road site. Westerleigh Group sought permission to extend its hours of operation on Saturdays so that it mirrored their Monday to Friday hours of 9.30am to 4pm. The site had only

operated to 1.30pm on Saturdays, but said it was seeking the change to meet demand for Saturday afternoon services, with the Westerleigh Group saying the funeral market had changed since the

Covid-19 pandemic. However, some concerns were raised. READ MORE:Leicestershire school set for 210 extra students as extension plan approved One resident said the potential for more hearses

passing their home along London Road at the weekend would be "a bit much" and said that the "constant" sight of hearses, especially in summer months, was not something

residents wanted "to be seeing on a daily basis". The Westerleigh Group said it was seeking the extension as it "continues to receive" requests for Saturday afternoon

funerals and this rise in requests had also come from members of the Hindu and Sikh community for whom they said a "weekday service or a Saturday morning service does not meet their

needs" Earlier this year, the Westerleigh Group was among those who objected to plans for a Hindu and Sikh crematorium in nearby East Scraptoft. The plans, which were subsequently

refused, went against what the operators of Great Glen Crematorium said were needs which were "already being met" at their site. In spite of the concerns, Harborough District

Council approved the plans on Wednesday, May 21. We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first