A COMPANY whose bid to build a crematorium in Hooton was dismissed says it will not be taking the matter to the High Court.
Last month campaigners from Hooton Cremation Action Group feared the Westerleigh Group may take their rejected application to judges in London.
And if that was to happen, lead activist Heather Shilliday said they would not be able to afford to fight the multi-million-pound scheme any further.
But managing director Richard Evans told the Pioneer the group would not be making a further appeal, although he did not rule out an attempt to develop a facility on the Waterworks Lane site at some point in the future.
He said: “Although we were obviously disappointed by the decision, the need remains. The inspector’s report confirms it.
“There is nowhere else, it is the perfect site. We won’t be appealing the decision but will continue to consider our options.”
After hearing from hundreds of residents, the borough council rejected the proposal in April 2007.
Westerleigh appealed to communities and local government secretary Hazel Blears but after a four-day public inquiry this summer she dismissed the appeal, saying the scheme would have spoilt the openness of the Green Belt.
Mrs Shilliday hailed everyone who got involved in the campaign “to protect their area”.
