A PUBLIC meeting is being held to discuss the latest proposal to build a crematorium on grazing land in the New Forest.

The Bristol-based Westerleigh Group has applied for planning permission to construct a single-chapel facility off Stem Lane in New Milton.

An outline application for a crematorium on the site was approved by the district council three years ago - despite sparking more than 500 objections.

Now a revised scheme has been submitted to the authority.

New Milton Town Council is expecting "high public interest" in the application and is holding a public meeting at the Memorial Centre on November 21.

The proposal has already sparked two letters of objection.

Laura Weaver, of Tanglewood Court, New Milton, said: "We do need another crematorium but not at the top of Stem Lane - it's the stupidest place to put it.

"I feel for the residents who live nearby."

Eric Holland, of Velvet Lawn Road, New Milton, added: "It appears the site will provide for110 parking spaces. That would seem excessive, with only five cremations to be performed per day."

The application says: "The vision for the scheme is to provide a high quality crematorium.

"Its development has been driven by the desire to create a building which has been designed to complement and enhance the character of the area.

"Westerleigh have proven expertise and have established a reputation for creating beautifully landscaped, high quality and peaceful facilities with service to the bereaved at their heart."

The application says changes made to the original design include the removal of a conical roof.

It adds: "The reduction in scale has visibly improved its impact on the iconic setting. By adjusting the overall height the pavilion becomes less overbearing and sits calmly within the landscape."

The outline application approved in 2016 was submitted by the newly-formed New Forest Crematorium Company.

It said the multi-million-pound facility, the first of its type in the Forest, would offer services longer than those at Southampton and Bournemouth crematoriums.

It would also prevent people living in the New Milton area having to drive up to an hour to attend the funerals of loved ones.

However, Stem Lane residents said the proposed development would generate an “unacceptable” amount of traffic as well as resulting in the loss of green space.

A total of 501 people either sent letters of objection or signed protest petitions.

But district councillors supported the proposal, saying the new facility would provide the local community with choice and convenience.