Cemetery plan opposed

The development of a second cemetery in Kumeu continues to lack public support.

Of the 33 public submissions the Rodney District Council received by the October deadline, only the Kumeu Baptist Church fully supported the plan variation which would enable the establishment and ongoing operation of a council-owned cemetery on Old Railway Rd.

Three submissions were partly in support and the remaining 29 submitters were opposed.

Despite backing the creation of the new cemetery the Kumeu Baptist Church also noted in their submission: "if the proposal is met with overwhelming public opposition reverting to the original concept of being a memorial gardens only may get more public support."

Robert, James and John Francis are all in partial agreement with the council’s plans.

They’d like the council to retain the 2.8 hectare site purchased in 2006 for use as a garden of remembrance but are against using the land for burials.

The Kumeu-Huapai Residents and Ratepayers Association says the Old Railway Rd land should not be rezoned for cemetery use.

Opponents of the second cemetery are all in favour of extending the current Waitakere Rd site.

Submitters suggested the council sell the new site and instead buy land next to the existing cemetery to service the area’s future burial needs.

Any further submissions need to be lodged at a Rodney council office by December 4.