Plans for mortuary next to school withdrawn

Plans to open a mortuary next to a primary school have been withdrawn.

Hardy’s Funeral Services had hoped to convert a house in Spennymoor, County Durham, despite opposition from residents.

Dozens of objections were submitted to Durham County Council after the plans for High Grange Road were lodged in July, with nearby King Street Primary School saying its future could be doubtful if it went ahead.

The company has been approached for comment.

King Street head teacher, Joanne Bromley said: "We firmly believe if it went ahead, parents would consider a move of schools and any new parents would not choose our school in the future."

Resident Peter Bright added: "It would be very inappropriate for young children to see deceased bodies being taken in and out of the property."

Hardy’s responded to concerns in August saying the mortuary would operate discreetly and no funeral services would be hosted at the site.

A statement added: "The deceased would arrive in a closed vehicle, reversed into the garage, and the deceased taken from there into the main building on a covered stretcher."

But parents warned the mortuary would be disruptive to school pupils and visitors.

Deborah Collinson said: "I have two children attending this school and a business of this nature is likely to cause anxiety for them walking past it every day."

The reason for the withdrawal of the application is unclear, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

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