Valley crematorium ignites fight

FEARS of ash falling on residences near the site of a proposed crematorium on Chatsworth Rd were dismissed by councillors on Tuesday night.

Bill Daniels holds a petition opposed to a new crematorium in Grafton. Supporting him are Peter Lee, Claire Lee and Daphne Batson.

FEARS of ash falling on residences near the site of a proposed crematorium on Chatsworth Rd were dismissed by councillors last night.

Clarence Valley councillors were served with two 600-signature strong petitions, one for and the other against the development at yesterday's committee meeting.

The proposed site houses the recognisable brick house up for sale, sitting on the southern side of the Mororo Bridge.

The development application states the existing dwelling would remain and the crematorium would be built as a 9m x 7.5m Colorbond shed behind it.

Two residents made deputations to the council yesterday to speak against the development, as well as the applicant who defended it.

In supporting the application, which has to be ratified at next week's ordinary meeting, Cr Pat Comben said he lived just 150m from a crematorium in Coffs Harbour and had never "seen or smelt" anything.

Mororo resident Bill Daniels said he was opposed to the development on several grounds.

"It's the proximity to the highway ... thousands of vehicles pass here daily and this intersection is exceedingly dangerous," he said.

"And because of the closeness to the (Mororo) bridge, I estimated a body of about 70kg will release somewhere in the vicinity, along with combustion gases and the cremation casket, about 1000 cubic metres of water vapour - and that could be a traffic hazard.

"Also, adjacent to us we have one of the best waterways which a lot of locals and tourists use."

Mr Daniels owned property north of the site and was concerned winds, which often blew in his direction, would carry the crematorium's smoke and vapour toward his home.

He said the council had not done enough to inform neighbours, or the Yaegl people, about the proposal.

Originally published as Valley crematorium ignites fight