Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) is looking to build a crematorium in Steppingley. The crematorium will be within an attractive landscaped area behind the Steppingley Hospital.

As there isn’t an existing crematorium in Central Bedfordshire, residents are using those in other districts instead. Such as Bedford, Cambridge, Luton or Stevenage.

Councillor Eugene Ghent, Executive Member for Assets and Housing Delivery, said:

“Nationally we have an aging population; people are living longer and that’s no different in Central Bedfordshire.

“We also know that Central Bedfordshire is an area that is set to grow. Over the next 20 years we are expecting around 40,000 new homes to be built.

“Unfortunately, more people also means an increasing demand for crematorium and mortuary services.”

New crematorium would be a ‘welcome development’

The crematorium and mortuary would be on agricultural land with access from Fordfield Road. Neville Funeral Service managing director, Michael Liddle said:

“Neville Funeral Service would see this as a welcome development for the area.

“It should hopefully allow for less delays for our clients in getting a time at a crematorium, something that has caused concern for the last few years.”

It is anticipated that there will be four or five services a day.

Drop-in event to be held to share more information

CBC will be holding a public drop-in event on Monday, 24 September from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Rufus Centre in Flitwick.

The council is hoping to submit a planning application in late 2018.

If approved, construction could start in July 2019 and will take around 12 months.

You can find out more about the proposal online at: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/crematorium