REVISED plans for a crematorium have been unveiled after they were hit into the rough last year amid fears grieving mourners could be struck by wayward golf balls.

Dignity Plc’s plans to build a single-storey, state-of-the-art crematorium near the former Castle Eden Brewery, in east Durham, were rejected by Durham county councillors in April 2014.

The plans had already been criticised as putting at risk Castle Eden Dene, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the Castle Eden conservation area.

But villagers, councillors and Castle Eden Golf Club also claimed the peace and quiet of the proposed chapel and memorial garden could have been rudely interrupted by miscued drives from the tee.

The plans were rejected despite recommendation by planning officer they be approved.

An appeal lodged by the company was dismissed in February following a hearing in September 2014.

It has now submitted revised plans, arguing it has addressed the concerns.

A spokesman said: “Following consultation with Durham County Council and the local police we believe we have comprehensively addressed the original objections made by the planning inspector.

“We are now proposing to install a vehicle barrier at the start of the lane; a second barrier at the entrance to the crematorium and CCTV.

“The revised plans also show that Gardens of Remembrance would be relocated from the rear of the crematorium building to other areas of the grounds to prevent any danger to the public from stray golf balls at the neighbouring golf course."

However, councillor Rob Crute, who represents the area on Durham County Council, said local concerns remained and a meeting would be held early next week to look at the detail of the new proposal.

“We still have some concerns and I know that the golf club and residents have concerns, so we will be meeting with the planning officer on Monday to bottom out exactly what is being proposed.”

The spokesman for Dignity added that there were no other objections by the planning inspector who had previously accepted the need for a crematorium in the area.

He added: “We have proposed to develop a single-storey, state-of-the-art crematorium surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

“It would offer reduced journey times, not just on the day of the funeral but for subsequent visits to the Gardens of Remembrance.

“Dignity crematoria operate according to the strictest industry codes of practice and comply with the latest environmental legislation."