Planning chiefs have rejected controversial proposals for two crematoria in Hooton.

Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee met on Tuesday where it considered two separate applications for new facilities. The first by Horizon Ceremonies was for construction of a crematorium with ceremony hall for 120 people, memorial areas, garden of remembrance and parking for 100 vehicles on land at Hooton Road.

The second by Hooton Paddocks Ltd was for demolition of existing buildings and construction of a crematorium and ancillary works on land at School Lane.

Officers had recommended the first application for approval, with a report saying thee was likely to be a future need for additional crematoria capacity and that a predicted increase in death rates would likely ‘significantly increase’ the pressure on existing  facilities.

But members went against their advice, knocking it back by a vote of seven to three, due to concerns that it was in the protected green belt – a buffer which is designed to protect the countryside against urban sprawl – and that the plans did not meet the requirements of ‘special circumstances’ which would warrant construction there.

The second application was rejected unanimously in line with planning officer recommendations that it be rejected, citing inappropriate development in the green belt, and concerns over traffic and pedestrian movement.

The plans had met fierce opposition from some locals, with more than 180 objections being made.

Speaking about the first application on behalf of the Hooton and District Residents Association (HADRA), independent planning expert Nial Casselden told members: “The green belt is a precious resource and performs a critical function.

“If there is even a small degree of doubt as to the veracity of the evidence, then members are urged to take a precautionary approach. Members must be certain that the evidence is both robust and compelling to overcome not only green belt harm, but any other harm.”

Speaking on the second application, committee deputy chair Cllr Gina Lewis said: “I feel that there isn’t sufficient evidence in the data that we’ve been presented with to confirm that the exceptional circumstances are justified.”