Plans were first submitted in March 2014 by Dignity plc to construct a crematorium on a site to the north of the former Castle Eden brewery (please see post dated 3 March 2014). We immediately set to work with residents, local businesses and Castle Eden parish council to co-ordinate a campaign against the proposal and this resulted in Durham County Council's planning committee rejecting the plans a month later, in April 2014 (please see post dated 1 April 2014).
In July last year however Dignity plc launched an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate against that decision, with the appeal being heard in September 2014 (please see post dated 18 July 2014).
Following a tense and lengthy wait we received notification this morning from the planning inspector to tell us that the appeal had been dismissed, thereby confirming that there would be no crematorium built in Castle Eden.
Naturally we are delighted at the outcome, and especially so for the residents and businesses of the village who fought tirelessly and remained resolute throughout the campaign, despite a number of setbacks. Although the campaign was long and arduous it has demonstrated that residents and their elected representatives standing together can have a real and effective impact in their communities, even against the odds. However, we should remain alert to the possibility that Dignity plc could choose to submit another planning application at some point in the future.
Our gratitude for their unswerving support and commitment goes to the residents and businesses of Castle Eden, alongside the clerk and members of Castle Eden parish council who remained resolute and determined throughout.
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| Aerial view of the former Castle Eden brewery |