Crematorium Controversy: Scottish Government Nixes Local Appeal

The Scottish government has recently rejected an appeal for a proposed crematorium near Inverurie, marking a significant turn in local planning issues. Businessman Fraser Milne, who sought to build the crematorium in Daviot, argued that it would cater to the growing demand for such facilities. However, plans faced opposition from a nearby business, Stewart Trailers, which expressed concerns that the crematorium would negatively impact its operations.

Milne had appealed the initial rejection by Aberdeenshire councillors, but a government reporter advised against the proposal, citing planning policies that prohibited changes in land use, in addition to concerns related to noise and transport. The crematorium was slated for a site along the Inverurie to Rothienorman road, a strategic location deemed problematic by local stakeholders.

While one area committee initially supported the project, the Formartine area committee voted against it, a decision that the Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) later endorsed. Milne’s legal team claimed that the council acted unreasonably during its decision-making process, suggesting inconsistencies in how other similar applications for cremations were evaluated.

In defense of their decision, Aberdeenshire Council maintained that the ISC’s rejection provided clear justification for their stance. Additionally, Milne is pursuing an award of expenses against the council, which remains pending. On the other hand, Lorraine Howard, a vocal opponent of the crematorium, expressed her relief at the government’s conclusion, highlighting the community’s divided sentiments on the matter.