PROPOSALS to build a crematorium in Newport have been called “dangerous” by opponents ahead of a council meeting this week to decide whether to grant permission.

The crematorium, which is proposed for Magor Road in Langstone, hopes to relieve congestion at Cwmbran’s Gwent crematorium which is the busiest in the UK.

But some local city and community councillors have bandied together with residents to oppose the plan, citing concerns including increased traffic, a negative effect on health and impact on the countryside.

The council said they have received 20 letters in support of the new crematorium, which would serve Newport and Monmouthshire, but also 10 objecting.

Langstone and Bishton community councils have both objected to the proposals, which will go before Newport city council’s planning committee on Wednesday, February 3. A report to the committee has recommended the plans for approval.

Councillor David Atwell, city councillor for the Langstone ward, criticised the council for preparing to recommend the construction of the crematorium without a report from environmental health.

He said: “What concerns me is the city council just seems quite gung ho about this and are just going to recommend approval. I think it’s very, very dangerous.”

David Barradell, who sits on Langstone community council, lives opposite the site.

He said: “Magor Road is already busy and the traffic uses it as a relief road when there is a problem on the M4.

“Sometimes the whole road is stationary with traffic which would cause delays to funerals.”

He suggested better alternative sites could be chosen, such as the east end of the Llanwern works site.

In a letter to the council, resident Tanya Closs Jones raised concerns over the increased traffic while James and Jennifer Anderson objected on grounds including health concerns.

But in the council report, a scientific officer said there is “unlikely to be a significant impact upon human health”.

Other concerns included the effect on the nearby Langstone and Llanmartin Meadows site of special scientific interest.

The 600 square metre crematorium will include a chapel, cremator room, offices and store rooms, toilets and memorial garden.

Seventy-four car parking spaces with a 30 overflow have been proposed.

Aneurin Bevan Health Board said last winter they had an extra 40 bodies in the mortuary which they could not accommodate because of delays in moving thembodies out for cremation.

Many people supporting the plans cited the long waiting times at Gwent crematorium, the good public transport links and rural setting which is ideal for mourners.

The council report said the plan would still need an environmental permit before going ahead and there is a risk the developers might be refused one.