New crematorium plans withdrawn

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Plans for a controversial new crematorium near Rhuallt, Denbighshire, have been formally withdrawn.

Oxfordshire-based Mercia Crematoria had applied to build the new four-acre crematorium near the A55, near an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

About 30 local residents, who claimed the project would "swamp" the local community, demonstrated in February.

Denbighshire council's planners had raised concerns over the "suitability of the open countryside site".

Mercia Crematoria had said the crematorium would handle up to 1,200 services a year - about four or five per day - and screens on three sides would minimise the impact on the adjoining AONB.

It said a crematorium was needed to serve the areas of Rhyl, Prestatyn, St Asaph, Denbigh and Ruthin, and local funeral directors were supportive.

However, in a statement, the council confirmed that the application had been formally withdrawn.

It said: "Mercia Crematoria Developments Ltd had submitted an application for a crematorium with associated landscaping, access and car park.

"Denbighshire's planners had raised concerns over the suitability of the open countryside site for such a use and on this advice, as well as some local opposition, the applicants have decided not to proceed with their proposals."