Despite public opposition, the Woodstock Planning Commission gave the green light on a crematorium being installed near a subdivision on Highway 92.

With a 4-2 vote from the planning commission, Lakeside Funeral Home at 121 Claremore Drive will now seek approval from the Woodstock City Council April 23 for its conditional use permit request, according to the Cherokee Tribune.

Villas at Lake Claremore residents first spoke out at the April 25, 2011, Woodstock City Council meeting citing a petition they had started.

"We're concerned about our quality of life," Mark, a Villas at Lake Claremore homeowner, told the council. "I was shocked with the percentage of people I have talked to that are opposed."

The Tribune quoted one homeowner saying hundreds of residents have signed the petition with many more to go explaining the crematorium didn't belong in a populated area.

One woman told WSB-TV that the crematory could have a negative impact on their property values while others said they are worried about mercury pollution.

Lakeside Funeral Home co-owner Kyle Standridge said it's a necessary part of the business, according to WSB-TV. He also told the Tribune he understands the concerns nearby residents have about the onsite crematorium, and he has offered to discuss those plans with the Villas at Lake Claremore residents.

The Woodstock City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, April 23 in the Chambers at City Center.