PLANS for a new crematorium in the county have been submitted.

If given approval it would be built to the north of Aylesbury, with council bosses saying there is a "recognised need for additional provision" for a new facility.

Currently there is only the Chiltern Crematorium near Amersham serving the south of the county.

The application was submitted by Chiltern District Council on behalf of the Chilterns Joint Crematorium Committee, which represents Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern and Wycombe district councils.

Cllr Mike Smith, chairman of the Chilterns Joint Crematorium Committee, said: "The need for a new crematorium has become evident over the last few years, particularly towards the north of the county where significant development is taking place.

"We have been extremely fortunate in finding an ideal site, off the A418 just outside of Aylesbury, between Rowsham and Bierton and are now ready to apply for planning permission. We feel the designs proposed are attractive and entirely in keeping with the rural environment.

"The Amersham-based crematorium was opened in 1966, and has served the communities well, but there is now a recognised need for additional provision."

Details of the plans can be seen at www.chilternscrematorium.co.uk/article/4071/Aylesbury-Crematorium-Proposals.

A decision on whether to grant planning permission will be made by Aylesbury Vale District Council later this year.