PLANS which would have seen South Lakeland's first crematorium being built have been rejected today (Friday).

Members of South Lakeland District Council's planning committee met in Kendal Town Hall and turned down proposals to build a crematorium on land close to J36 of the M6.

The plan, by Manchester-based Indigo Planning, would have seen a 98-space parking lot and a memorial garden created.

It was recommended for refusal by council officials, and members followed their advice.

Since the application was lodged, there was 62 letters of objection and three of support, according to planning documents.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The report that went before councillors recognised the need for a crematorium but added: "It is considered that the development of the field will irreversibly change the character of the site from one of an agricultural and rural nature to one of built form and structured layout which will have a significant urbanising effect on the local landscape.

"The building design, tarmacked entrance drive and the formalised layout of the memorial gardens all serve to impact on both close and distance viewpoints which cannot be adequately mitigated."

Objections were voiced by Preston Richard and Preston Patrick Parish Councils as well as the Gateway to the Lakes Community Group (GLCG), which printed out 1,000 leaflets making local residents aware of the application.

Following feedback about road safety concerns the applicant submitted amended plans to create a ghost lane for cars turning right into the site.

But Cumbria County Council Highways team - who opposed the original plans - said they were still not satisfied.

Currently mourners from South Lakeland have to travel to either Lancaster or Barrow.