FUNERALS held at a new £2milion state-of-the-art crematorium could be viewed across the globe, if ambitious plans are given the green light.

Plans for the crematorium near Kilbirnie were submitted to council planners last week, with claims that it would be the most modern and technologically advanced in the UK – even allowing mourners who cannot attend to view the service over the internet.

Jeremy Hamilton, of Respect Crematoria, has said that the Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium will be ahead of any other facility in the UK, in terms of location, design, technology, capacity and impact on the landscape and environment.

Addressing a meeting of Largs Community Council last week, he added that he had been in talks with council planners since the start of the year and had tweaked the design to address any issues raised.

The proposals would see the crematorium built off the A760 – near to the existing entrance to Kelburn Windfarm.

Mr Hamilton told the community council that the design was sympathetic to the surrounding area and would be screened from the road, while retaining the view over the Clyde.

He added that the building would have a bright but traditional feel using local materials.

The facility would also have dedicated entrances for the family of the bereaved and the others in attendance. There would be room for 150 people in the chapel, with between 50 to 80 spaces for those waiting outside. Modern technology would also allow the service to be streamed online.

Mr Hamilton said: “If there is a large attendance, people will be able to view the service in the waiting area. Those who are unable to attend, whether through illness or distance, will also be able to log-in online.

“We have been in discussions with the council throughout the year and have worked very hard to ensure the design is sympathetic.” Families currently have to travel to the old crematorium in Greenock, or Holmsford Bridge at Dreghorn.

Latest statistics reveal that 65 per cent of funerals involve cremation, with well over 1000 across the wider North Coast and Garnock Valley areas with that number forecast to increase.

A representative from Fairlie Community Councillor raised concerns about a potential build up of traffic, the use of the road by funeral corteges and potential safety issues.

Mr Hamilton assured the meeting that all of the roads issues had been investigated before the planning application was submitted. Largs community councillor Ian Murdoch backed this view: “This is probably the safest section of that road.” It was added that the community council had already backed the nearby access to the windfarm.

The council community postponed a decision on the application to allow members to examine the application in further detail.

Catherine Wigzell, from Kilbirnie Community Council, said: “A representative from the company will be coming to give us a presentation in the new year.

“The Community Council thinks it’s a good idea.

“We just wanted to be reassured that it will be in keeping with the surrounding environment.”