Regional park bosses have given the green light to the planned £2million crematorium on the Largs to Kilbirnie road.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park was asked for its view on the proposals and responded to council planners last week.

Their response stated: “Although the proposed crematorium is a large building within a rural location, it is viewed that, with the use of materials such as slate on the roof, it will reflect aspects of a traditional structure.” The body also said it did not view the plans as ‘detrimental’ to the landscape and confirmed it would make no objection.

However, a number of objectors have claimed that the crematorium plan should be thrown out because it would offend Jewish visitors.

Three objection letters were sent to North Ayrshire Council planners arguing that there are ‘sensitivity issues concerning the effects of viewing such an industrial process in a totally unsuitable landscape and so close to the main Kilbirnie/Largs road, especially to holocaust survivors and their families as they drive past hoping/expecting an enjoyable day out in the unspoilt countryside of Ayrshire.” The News contacted the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, but they declined to comment on the matter.

Other objections received by North Ayrshire Council planners mainly focus on the impact of the facility on the environment and landscape, road safety issues, and potential access issues, particularly in the event of severe weather.

Additionally, one objector claims there is potential for mercury pollution.

He alleged this could affect hundreds of walkers and could even be spread further by nearby wind turbines.

Similar claims were made about goods vehicles travelling to the site carrying ‘highly toxic, poisonous and dangerous chemicals’ while another said that carbon dioxide could be released from the peat in the ground around the site.

Another objector wrote: “It is said to serve the Garnock Valley, but it is very far from there.

“It is said to serve North Ayrshire but the site is remote and of difficult access from all towns from Ardrossan north to Skelmorlie. There are also existing facilities at Irvine and Greenock.” While road safety and environmental impact have been central to the objections, there has been no objection on the road plans from either the council or Transport Scotland, while Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park have spoken positively about the project.

Objectors have also pointed out that the proposal does not conform to the North Ayrshire Local Development Plan - which provides a broad overview of the types of property which can be developed in certain areas.

Jeremy Hamilton, who runs Respect Crematoria, acknowledged this but added that there are no crematoria in such local plans, given the nature of the facility and the demand in the area.

Regional park bosses have given the green light to the planned £2million crematorium on the Largs to Kilbirnie road.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park was asked for its view on the proposals and responded to council planners last week.

Their response stated: “Although the proposed crematorium is a large building within a rural location, it is viewed that, with the use of materials such as slate on the roof, it will reflect aspects of a traditional structure.” The body also said it did not view the plans as ‘detrimental’ to the landscape and confirmed it would make no objection.

However, a number of objectors have claimed that the crematorium plan should be thrown out because it would offend Jewish visitors.

Three objection letters were sent to North Ayrshire Council planners arguing that there are ‘sensitivity issues concerning the effects of viewing such an industrial process in a totally unsuitable landscape and so close to the main Kilbirnie/Largs road, especially to holocaust survivors and their families as they drive past hoping/expecting an enjoyable day out in the unspoilt countryside of Ayrshire.” The News contacted the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, but they declined to comment on the matter.

Other objections received by North Ayrshire Council planners mainly focus on the impact of the facility on the environment and landscape, road safety issues, and potential access issues, particularly in the event of severe weather.

Additionally, one objector claims there is potential for mercury pollution.

He alleged this could affect hundreds of walkers and could even be spread further by nearby wind turbines.

Similar claims were made about goods vehicles travelling to the site carrying ‘highly toxic, poisonous and dangerous chemicals’ while another said that carbon dioxide could be released from the peat in the ground around the site.

Another objector wrote: “It is said to serve the Garnock Valley, but it is very far from there.

“It is said to serve North Ayrshire but the site is remote and of difficult access from all towns from Ardrossan north to Skelmorlie. There are also existing facilities at Irvine and Greenock.” While road safety and environmental impact have been central to the objections, there has been no objection on the road plans from either the council or Transport Scotland, while Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park have spoken positively about the project.

Objectors have also pointed out that the proposal does not conform to the North Ayrshire Local Development Plan - which provides a broad overview of the types of property which can be developed in certain areas.

Jeremy Hamilton, who runs Respect Crematoria, acknowledged this but added that there are no crematoria in such local plans, given the nature of the facility and the demand in the area.