WORK has begun on a controversial new multi million pound crematorium in Rubery.

Waseley Hills Crematorium & Cemetery, will be based on New Inns Lane at the foot of Wasley Hills.

Permission was granted by Bromsgrove District Council for a cemetery at the site back in 2012, but plans for a crematorium werte turned down due to its positioning on Green Belt land.

After two further applications and two appeals by developers H2Land, permission was granted in July 2019 for a crematorium to be added to the site.

The crematorium will be operated by Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner-operator of crematoria and cemeteries.

Bill Scott, regional manager at Westerleigh Group, said: “We’re excited with the development of our latest crematorium at Waseley Hills.

“We pride ourselves on providing exceptional care in beautiful settings, so families can remember, mourn and celebrate the lives of their loved ones in a way that is uniquely personal.

“We also enjoy a positive reputation for forging strong links with the communities around all our sites, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the community in and around South Birmingham and Bromsgrove, while providing them with the highest standards of care, support and service.”

The crematorium will be shaped as two interlocking ellipsis and constructed from a steel frame, with masonry and timber cladding and completed with a green roof.

The construction of the crematorium is being carried out by Stepnell, a complete construction partner.

Adrian Barnes, regional director for Stepnell, said: “We’re delighted to have started work on site for this project, which will bring additional crematorium capacity to the area.

“We have worked closely with the team at the Westerleigh Group to develop a programme of work that meets the client’s requirements, as well as doing justice to the unique design.”

The project is due for completion later this year, with the first services taking place in early 2022.