CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a crematorium between Thornbury and Alveston were scrapped following the sale of the land.

The seven-acre site of the proposed development, which would have been on greenbelt land across Alveston Hill, were set to go to auction, with a recommended price of £160,000, but this ended before it began, with an early sale to an unnamed buyer for an undisclosed sum.

The plans of the site's previous owner, Thornbury Crematorium Ltd, which included an auditorium and 400-space car park, had been opposed since they were first announced years ago.

PLANS for a multi-million pound face lift to Thornbury Castle were announced.

The proposed improvements to the luxury hotel and restaurant would see new facilities to cater for a larger number of guests – including 15 new rooms and a café bistro, as well as an indoor pool, spa and gym.

The proposals, which were submitted to South Gloucestershire Council, outlined a new and contemporary two-storey building within the castle grounds to house the new features.

Also included were plans to relocate the car park past the outer wall, with the, then vacant, space being renovated into a new garden.