Plans for a crematorium near the village of Balgarin, in Harmanli municipality, are at a very early stage. Officials are still deciding whether it needs an environmental impact assessment, health minister Katya Ivkova told parliament.

The health ministry does not issue permits for crematoriums, only opinions, she said. So far neither the regional health inspectorate in Haskovo nor the ministry has received a request for an opinion on whether such an assessment is needed. Both give opinions under the Spatial Planning Act and the Environmental Protection Act, Ivkova said.

The investor asked for a three-month extension to the deadline, and it was granted. The investor has also been asked for more data. Ivkova said the information so far is not enough for a final decision. No final administrative act and no opinion from the Haskovo health inspectorate has been issued.

Harmanli municipal council started a public discussion on the building plan at the end of July this year. In August, Metropolitan Kiprian called on believers in the Stara Zagora diocese not to allow a crematorium near the village.