There's division currently within the Grahamstown community, created by the possibility of a cremator being installed in the middle of town.

Some in the community are for it, but many are in opposition to Twentymans Funeral Services owner Adrian Catran's plans for a cremator at his Kirkwood St premises.

TCDC Thames Area manager Greg Hampton. Photo: TCDC

And right in the middle is the Thames-Coromandel District Council.

Thames Area Manager Greg Hampton says the major bone of contention between the two sides is whether or not it's appropriate for a cremator to be positioned in the centre of town.

While Adrian has been in communication with council he is yet to make an official application for the installation of a cremator at Twentymans.

On Wednesday a peaceful protest will take place and will see a petition featuring about 1,900 signatures delivered to the council building on Mackay St.

But Greg says the issue for council is the fact that it's never received an application for a cremator in the past.

The district plan, which Greg says is council's 'book of rules”, also does not have reference to crematoria which is another issue.

'Until we actually receive details of what's being proposed,” says Greg, 'or an official application, we can't make that judgement as to whether a cremator is committed within the zone that's being proposed or not, and whether a resource consent application will be required or not.

'There will always be activities not specifically referenced within a district plan I guess, and we have to make an assessment based on what the details of the application for development is.”

'There's always going to be occasions where we'll need to receive a proposal and details and that assessment will be according to both the district plan and Resource Management Act.”

Greg states that without a formal application or proposed details, council's position is neither for or against a cremator being installed in Grahamstown.

That being said, they would certainly view the installation of a cremator being installed within or near the district as a good thing.

'The issue is where it's placed and whether it's placed in the appropriate zoning, depending on the detail of it and the activity.”

When asked about a cremator being installed at Totara Memorial Park, Greg says there is no appropriate facilities or buildings onsite currently.

Council is open to having a cremator installed at the cemetery but Greg adds: 'We're going to be doing some planning next year around the capacity of the cemetery and available land.

'We couldn't make a call on it at this point of time. But I've made it known to Adrian that we would be happy to receive a proposal for a cremator there, and we could then assess that.”

He states council has no plans to invest in a cremator or crematorium at this stage, but may be interested in providing the land for one.

If this were to occur it was likely the land would be leased out to a business.

'No proposal's ever been put to council,” says Greg. 'We are certainly not against the concept, but once again, we'd need to see details of the proposal to consider it. We'd be happy to receive a proposal.”

Greg says council is aware of Wednesday's peaceful march and believes the public has the right to voice its view, whether people within the community think it's pre-emptive or not.

To read Junction Hotel and Grahamstown Dar & Diner owner Karl Edmond's side of the story click here.

To read Twentymans Funeral Service owner Adrian Catran's side of the story click here.