An old outbuilding at a crematorium is set to be converted into a cafe and florist.
Plans have been unveiled plans to improve the facilities at Vinters Park in Bearsted Road, Maidstone.
The five hectare site is opposite Newnham Court Shopping Village.
The plans are for the construction of an open walkway extension, as well as the conversion of an existing agricultural building.
A gardener’s storage shed sits within woodland to the north west of the crematorium and is currently disused.
The building is made from Kentish ragstone, with a slate roof and timber doors.
It is proposed that a florist would occupy the space to the right and a cafe to the left – each accessed separately.
The structure would be kept, but will have new fixtures and fittings as well as an accessible toilet. A wide forecourt at the front will allow for extra outdoor seating.
Several pathways would be created to connect the two businesses with the crematorium and its gardens.
There won’t be an increase in visitor parking spaces, as the existing number has been deemed adequate for the proposed plans.
The application is currently awaiting a decision.
Maidstone council has published more information in their Borough Insight magazine.
It said: “Vinters Park Crematorium is set in beautiful grounds including gardens of remembrance which provide the perfect place for people to visit, sit and reflect remembering their friends and loved ones who have passed away.
“Adding to the already stunning landscape the council is now planning to re-purpose a disused gardener’s storage building which lies within woodland at the crematorium to house a new cafe and florist.
“The current building is constructed of local ragstone under a slate roof with timber doors and cladding where the proposed new facilites are set to be located providing visitors somewhere to sit a little longer and remember.”
A covered passage between the memorial and floral tribute cloisters near the chapel was also included in the plans.
After a service, tributes are displayed and mourners gather together to pay their last respects.
The construction of a walkway will provide a “buffer to the elements” for those visiting, by connecting the two buildings.
Additional landscaping and refurbishment to the existing crematorium pond – which is prone to flooding – along with new seating in the formal memorial garden has been proposed.
An official opening date for the cafe and florist is yet to be revealed. The council confirmed it would be “later this year”.
To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.
Maidstone council has been contacted for a comment.
