Agenda item

Report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services.

The Cabinet Member with the Leisure and Local Environment Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) providing Members with information on the current position regarding the Darlington Crematorium and the approaching end of life of the cremators.

The submitted report outlined the history of the crematorium; the current situation; stated that the existing cremators within Darlington Crematory were at the end of their lifespan and required replacement with modern, energy efficient and emission compliant equipment; and that the existing chapel required refurbishment/extension.

Particular reference was made to the three options available for the future of the crematorium, namely new build/new site; replace existing cremators and limited improvements to the chapel; and replace existing cremators, redevelop existing chapel into a bereavement office and develop of a new chapel within West Cemetery on part of the land identified for future burials.

Discussion ensued on the level of risk associated with the project; the options available; and the preferred option (Option Three) of replacing existing cremators, redeveloping the existing chapel into a bereavement office and developing a new chapel within West Cemetery on part of the land identified for future burials.

Particular reference was made to the the introduction of the one-way traffic system which would exit onto Salutation Road should Option Three be implemented; the number of vehicles that would use this road/exit; and the implications of the new traffic system on the Allotments on Pond Field Close.  The Cabinet Member with the Leisure and Local Environment Portfolio and the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services responded thereon.

RESOLVED - (a)  That the improvements to the Crematorium, as detailed in  Option Three of the submitted report, be approved.

(b)  That the capital funding of £4.5m, as detailed in the submitted report, be released.

(c)  That the capital funding of £0.4m, already approved in the Capital Programme for the laying out of West Cemetery, be released.

(d)  That the project for the new crematorium be added to the Annual Procurement Plan, to be designated as a strategic contract, and it be noted that the works will be procured in accordance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

(e)  That the Assistant Director (Law and Governance) be authorised, on behalf of the Council, to complete the required deeds and contracts to deliver the works in accordance with the submitted report.

REASONS - (a)  To enable the replacement and updating of the current cremators ensuring they meet the requirements of current legislation.

(b)  To provide a Chapel that provides the facilities that are expected from a modern Crematorium.