Spennymoor's King Street Primary School reacts to funeral plans

King Street Primary School in Spennymoor responded after a planning application for the proposal was submitted. 

Hardy’s Funeral Services hopes to convert a former home on High Grange Road into a new facility for the business. No further details have been uploaded as part of the planning application. 

The school’s concerns have been echoed by dozens of residents and parents, who reacted in horror at the plans. 

Hardy’s Funeral Services hopes to convert a former home on High Grange Road (Image: Google)

Joanne Bromley, King Street head teacher, said: “We firmly believe that parents would not feel that this is an appropriate proposal and, if it went ahead, would consider a move of schools and any new parents would not choose our school in the future and thus it would have a detrimental impact upon the school’s future.”

In an objection letter submitted to Durham County Council, she questioned how the funeral company would provide services in a “discreet” way, as suggested. 

Ms Bromley added: “The application states that the property would be used as a place where bereaved families can visit their deceased relatives discreetly away from the general public- the school has over 220 children and, added to this, the additional number of adults who collect each day, there is no way this can be offered as a discreet service."

Spennymoor Town Council and county councillors have also publicly opposed the proposal. 

Deborah Collinson said parking in the area is already difficult during peak times. 

She added: “I have two children attending this school and a business of this nature is likely to cause anxiety for them walking past it every day and subsequently cause anxiety about going to school. 

“It is not going to be a peaceful location for a business of this nature which will have people visiting deceased relatives.” 

King Street Primary School spoke out against the plans (Image: Google)

Recommended reading: 

• Developer’s second proposal for bungalows in County Durham village fails again
• Labour criticised for delaying plan for County Durham council housing with HMO plea
• New County Durham MP calls for funding to revive 'left behind' communities

Don't miss out on the latest news and stories. Subscribe to The Northern Echo now for £4 for four months.

Peter Bright also objected, saying: “It would be very inappropriate for young children to see deceased bodies being taken in and out of the property.”

Hardy’s Funeral Services was contacted for comment. 

The application is due to be considered later this year.