Councillors throw out morgue bid.

Byline: By Peter Collins South Wales Echo 

Residents have won their fight to stop a morgue being built next to their homes.

Funeral director John Pidgeon wanted to demolish a two-storey coach house building at the back of a funeral home in Court Road, Barry, and build a single storey morgue in its place.

The scheme sparked opposition from residents who said it would cause distress to children and other residents.

They have now been backed by Vale of Glamorgan councillors who have refused planning permission, despite a recommendation by planning officers that the proposal should be approved.

Mr Pidgeon said he was now taking legal advice and was contemplating suing the council for restriction of trade. He said that bodies were already stored at the premises and the proposal would be an improvement on what was there.

Great-grandmother Valerie Hicks, whose Ilminster Close house backs onto the funeral home, which trades as Spicketts, said: 'We are ecstatic. This would have involved long-term storage which is not what is there now. We would like thank our councillors who have stood up for us and done us proud.'

Councillor Richard Bertin asked members of the Vale planning committee: 'Would you like this development next to your home? Of course not. Children would be playing in the lane as bodies were being brought in.'

Councillor Tony Hampton told the committee: 'It would be an inappropriate development in a residential area.'

In his report, chief planner Rob Thomas said while residents' concerns should be acknowledged, they did not warrant a refusal of the application.

But the committee rejected his advice and refused permission.

Mr Pidgeon added: 'I am surprised at the committee's decision.

'There will be no change of use for the coach house part of Spicketts. It will be used for the same purpose it has been for generations. I am taking legal advice on potential action against the council for restriction of trade.'