Aum Crematorium, Denham
UB9- Sectors
- Leisure
- Status
- In Progress
- Services
- Civil, Flood Risk
- Client
- Project Value
The development of a new Hindu faith crematorium at the site of an existing Swaminarayan Temple.
The proposed crematorium, the first dedicated Hindu crematorium in the UK (and potentially in Europe), will be constructed within the Greater London Green Belt, adjacent to the M40 and within Flood Zones 2 and 3. This 6.3-hectare site is home to Anoopam Mission UK, a global Hindu charitable organisation based in Gujarat, India.
Following initial planning challenges due to the green belt location, permission was granted, allowing for the development of the crematorium, dining hall, and improvements to landscaping and biodiversity. The site also hosts a Swaminarayan Temple, further enriching the community's spiritual and cultural heritage.
3D Visuals by MCA Architects
Our Services
Dice carried out a full Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy of the site, which is within Flood Zone 2 (with between a 1:1000 and 1:100 probability of fluvial flooding a year, hence it's considered to be at medium risk of surface water flooding).
This included considering existing drainage infrastructure, producing a detailed Flood Risk assessment, designing a drainage strategy to support the planning application and producing high quality drainage/SuDS layout drawings.
The proposed development includes a new single storey building that has been built to be used as a new crematorium, as well as changing the use of the surrounding area to create memorial gardens, while still ensuring the space is fit for purpose with practical elements such as coach parking and space for hearse arrival. The development also included modifications and refurbishment of the existing temple.
Planning permission was initially denied due to the land being on a green belt, but was eventually approved via an appeal process. The project was a massive victory for the Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains community who previously had to choose between using other crematoria facilities used by other faiths (and the non-religious), or having their ceremonies at home. In contrast, the design of the new building and facilities was specifically tailored and designed to meet the needs of the Hindu community.
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