A PLAN to create a crematorium has moved a step closer after council planners provisionally approved the scheme despite concerns over traffic.

Residents and councillors raised the issue of increased traffic and problems with access to the site which is proposed to be built on the playing fields at the former Blakeston School near Roseworth, close to the Tesco, near Norton.

Elizabeth Toye told members of Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee that she was very concerned about traffic levels if the crematorium was built.

“The road is already busy enough with all of the traffic from the hospital and Tesco,” she said. “I’m concerned about the level of traffic and I’m also concerned about any possible smell coming from the crematorium.”

Ward Cllr Jim Beall spoke in support of the plan, maintaining that it was essential for the area and that cremations will not be taking place during the busiest times on the road.

He said: “I had a little concern about the access to the site but the proposed changes built into the scheme perhaps alleviates the problem. The opening hours of the crematorium mean the traffic will not impact on the peak times.

“The residents want this and any members who oppose it, is really out of touch with the needs of residents.”

A report before members of the committee, showed the site would be able to deal with 1,500 cremations a year, would employ six to eight staff and there would 120 car spaces.

The council wants to create the crematorium because population is increasing in the borough and most families use Teesside Crematorium in Middlesbrough. It’s estimated that the population will increase from more than 194,000 at the present time, to between 213,000 and 216,000 by 2033.

Objections were raised by Sport England about the loss of playing fields. However the body has withdrawn its objection after discussions with council officers who have outlined a Playing Pitch Strategy which would eventually increase play facilities across the borough.

Barry Jackson, the council’s planning development services manager, reassured Mrs Toye that environmental agencies would ensure that no smells would emanate from the site.

Members of the committee also raised concerns about increased traffic flow as well as problems for funeral corteges getting into and out of the site.

Cllr Steve Nelson said traffic congestion could become a problem if the two proposed chapels were being used simultaneously.

And a call for a left-turn only sign at the exit of the crematorium was made by Cllr Sylvia Walmsley but the council’s road safety officer, Peter Fleming, told members the measure could not be enforced and was unnecessary.

Members voted unanimously to mind to approve the proposal after their traffic concerns were appeased.

However, the final decision won’t be made by the council as Sajid Javid, secretary of state for Communities and Local Government, has already been asked to consider the application.