Plans for Powys’ first crematorium, to be built near Newtown, have been refused by the Welsh Government, according to two Conservative Senedd Members.

MS for Brecon and Radnorshire James Evans and Montgomeryshire colleague Russell George have said that their question - probing the Welsh Government’s decision to deny planning permission for a crematorium in Powys - was refused.

The question was submitted last Wednesday and asked for an explaination behind the rationale for the decision. Mr Evans and Mr George have expressed their disappointment, as they say the Presiding Officer of the Senedd rejected their query.

The two Senedd Members for Powys are united in wanting a crematorium for the county.

The application was for a new crematorium near Newtown and would have been the only crematorium in Powys.

Mr Evans said: “I am disappointed that I was refused a topical question on this – there’s no doubt we need a crematorium in Powys, and the Minister needs to explain why planning permission has been denied.

“This decision impacts so many people in our area and it’s just not good enough for our questions to be avoided like this.”

Mr George added: “Powys urgently needs a crematorium. For a county of our size not to have one is frankly unacceptable and it needs to be put right as soon as possible.

“We will keep working on getting answers from the Minister to ensure we can find a way forward so Powys gets the facilities it deserves.”

A spokesperson on behalf of the Senedd told the Brecon and Radnor Express: “There are many ways for a local Member to raise issues in the Senedd.

“A Topical Question is one avenue available to them. Members can also seek a response from the Welsh Government by submitting a Question to the Minister.”