COUNTY planners have rejected a controversial scheme to build a crematorium next to an east Durham golf course over fears that balls could hit mourners.

All but one of the councillors at Durham County Council's planning committee on Tuesday, February 2, refused the revised proposal at the Castle Eden site, despite officers recommending it for approval.

Dignity Plc submitted revised plans for the single-storey, state-of-the-art crematorium near the former Castle Eden Brewery following a rejection from the committee in April 2014 on the basis that it would affect an area enjoyed by residents.

The application was later dismissed on appeal on the grounds of the safety of those attending the crematorium and for fear of crime.

Committee members at County Hall echoed the planning inspector's concerns over the safety of mourners - finding the application "unacceptable".

Cllr Alan Shield said: "There is no appropriate or significant level of safety for mourners. That needs to be addressed and I'm not convinced that can be done."

Although the location of the crematorium building would be outside the recommended 80 metre safety margin from the two nearest holes on the Castle Eden Golf Course, members said there would be no guarantee that a golf ball could not reach further than that distance.

Cllr Mike Dixon said: "The risk is probably low but only one ball needs to land on a mourning cortege to cause distress."

Cllr Rachel Lumsdon said: "I can't help but wonder if the crematorium was in place and the golf course was asking for planning permission whether we would be so far down the line - for me the risk (to safety) is not mitigated."

Campaigners have been fighting Dignity Plc's plans from the outset and have had the backing of Easington MP Grahame Morris who urged the council to turn down the application.

He argued the development would increase the volume of traffic in the area and that the road infrastructure could not cope.

The council received 79 letters of objection including one written on behalf of Castle Eden residents and one from The Old Brewery business centre.

Speaking at the meeting, the planning officer added there was no "established need" for a crematorium in the Durham area.

Cllr George Richardson said: "For me this seems to be well thought out but is just in the wrong place."