FURTHER sites for a new cemetery will be investigated after concerns were raised about a plan to build one at North Waltham.

The proposed site, next to Basingstoke Crematorium, is too far and too hard to reach by public transport, members of a committee at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council were told.

The authority is looking for a new site as its current cemetery, in Worting Road, Basingstoke, is expected to reach capacity in either 2019 or 2020.

The council agreed to purchase an option on the land at North Waltham in September 2012, and last Wednesday, members of the community, environment and partnerships committee considered whether to go ahead with a outline planning application for the site, which could be served by a taxi-share scheme.

However, speakers suggested other sites would suit Basingstoke residents better, such as three within the proposed Manydown development, and at Crockford Lane, Chineham, which had been mooted in 1996 as a site for the crematorium.

John and Elizabeth Harris, from Buckskin-based funeral directors Spencer and Peyton, suggested a site in Homesteads Road, Kempshott.

Mrs Harris said: “This is not about us, because it does not matter to us (as a business), but the North Waltham site is too far out for people to be able to use.”

Councillor Sean Keating, ward member for South Ham, claimed Manydown would be a better site.

He told the committee: “It seems to me that anybody that wants to buy 15 acres of land for a cemetery, when we own 800 acres of land next to the town centre, is absolutely crazy.”

Head of community services Tim Boschi said there was no room for a cemetery in the first phase of the proposed Manydown development.

And Cllr Rob Golding said he doubted whether developers for the proposed Manydown development would welcome space for housing taken up by a cemetery.

He proposed the council proceeds with an outline planning application at North Waltham, while officers look again at three sites on the Manydown land, and the Chineham site – a proposal agreed by members.

The recommendation will now go to the Cabinet for approval.

  • Do you have a view on where the new cemetery should go? Have your say by writing to The Letters Editor, The Gazette, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6XD, email editor@basingstokegazette. co.uk, or comment online at basingstokegazette.co.uk.