Plans for a new crematorium near Daviot continue amid resident backlash. Concerns include noise, traffic, and air quality. A final decision is pending.
The building would have a chapel. It would seat 144 people. A large window would face Bennachie. An electric cremator and solar panels are planned, and there will be a garden and reflective pool.
The Formartine committee considered it in December. They thought the location was wrong, and they worried about noise from Stewart Trailers. The Garioch committee shared these concerns. Noise assessments were done before the meeting.
Jim Martin said the factory noise was low. He is the head planner. Road noise and birdsong were louder. Trees could help block the sound. Stewart Trailers has operated for 30 years, and there have been zero prior noise complaints.
Jim Stewart owns Stewart Trailers. He fears noise during services, as loud banging would disturb mourners. He also thinks traffic will increase since heavy vehicles use his site daily and the crematorium entrance is close by.
He expects traffic queues during services. He was told his traffic was a nuisance 30 years ago. Now, the crematorium will add more cars. He believes traffic is a big problem.
George Ramsey also worries about road safety. He lives nearby the proposed site, estimating 500 new car trips each day. People using GPS cause problems now, he said. More GPS users would be devastating.
Ramsey also fears air pollution. He has lived there for 34 years. It is his “forever home” to pass on. He is distressed by nearby cremations, and worries ash might blow onto his home.
Lesley Tierney said a crematorium is needed. She works for McWilliam Lippe Architects. They considered other sites in Ellon, Oldmeldrum, and Insch. Inverurie, Kemnay, Westhill, and Kintore were also assessed.
Only Ellon and Inverurie were suitable. Size and location were factors. Other issues ruled them out. Daviot was chosen for its lower population relative to the other considered spots.
Marion Ewenson worried about traffic flow. The B9001 is a busy road. The speed limit is not always followed, and accidents happen often. She fears cars merging near fast traffic.
Ewenson thinks the businesses are incompatible. The factory will make noise. This does not suit a remembrance garden. She said the location is not right, even though a crematorium is indeed needed.
Ron McKail supported the crematorium. He noted the aging population, reasoning that demand is growing. He admitted the site isn’t perfect, and asked where truly is? Any alternative would face similar arguments, he thought.
Councillors voted ten to five in favor. The proposal moves to another committee, which is the infrastructure services committee. They will make the final decision.
