COUNTY Durham's first private crematorium has been given planning permission after councillors agreed that farmland near Bishop Auckland was the perfect setting.

Wear Valley District Council's development control committee agreed the facility would ease the burden on bereaved families, who travel to Darlington or Durham.

But people living near the development, on the edge of Coundon, objected to the plans from Mercia Crematoria.

One resident shouted at councillors as he left the meeting, saying he didn't want the building on his doorstep.

The committee heard that the crematorium would be largely hidden from view because it would be built in a hollow and screened by trees.

Chris Johns, Mercia director, said: "I have 32 years' experience in the industry and I know that there is a real need to provide a modern and accessible facility."

Councillor David Kingston said: "This is something that could make losing someone a little bit easier and less traumatic for people in the Wear Valley who now have a long journey to Durham and Darlington."

Coundon councillor Tommy Taylor said that many residents welcomed the crematorium.

He said: "I think it could be a blessing."