Cemeteries 'close to capacity' as council plans search for new burial sites
Pontefract Cemetery, which dates back to 1859, has hit capacity
Wakefield Council looks set to adopt a new “cemetery strategy” to secure more burial plots for residents.
The proposals come after a report identified that some cemeteries across the district were full or close to capacity.
Senior councillors are expected to agree to establish a new framework which includes plans to investigate possible new burial sites.
A report to cabinet members said Pontefract Cemetery, which dates back to 1859, had reached capacity and new burials are only possible within existing pre-purchased or family graves.
A search for a suitable site for future cemetery provision for the town has been underway since 2020.
Normanton Lower Cemetery has “historically been regarded as full”, although recent investigations have identified potential additional capacity within the existing cemetery boundary, subject to planning permission being granted.
Normanton Upper Cemetery has around two to three years of remaining capacity, while Wakefield’s main cemetery at Sugar Lane has between five to seven years remaining.
The Muslim burial section at Sugar Lane has around four years of remaining capacity.
The report said: “Changes in burial patterns, declining availability of space within existing family graves for future interments, increasing demand for cremated remains interment and projected increases in mortality are all expected to place further pressure on burial land.
“The evidence therefore supports the need for a strategic approach that both maximises existing capacity and plans pro-actively for future provision, helping to ensure burial services remain accessible, equitable, sustainable and capable of meeting future community needs.”
According to the report, a potential site within three miles of Sugar Lane was being investigated as an option for future cemetery provision.
An initial assessment and ground investigation work had been carried out but a decision is yet to be taken over developing the site.
Across the district there are around 3,800 deaths of local authority residents each year and 860 burial-related services, including the burial of cremated remains.
The report added: “The assessment demonstrates that, whilst burial capacity remains available across the district, current and projected pressures are becoming increasingly concentrated within specific cemeteries and localities.”
Commenting on the new strategy, Julian Carter, the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “While there is still burial space available across the district, we know some areas are facing greater pressures than others.
“These proposals will help us understand future needs, make the best use of existing space and build the information we need to make decisions in the years ahead.
“The strategy includes looking at opportunities to increase the use of existing cemetery space, progressing work already underway and exploring future options where they may be needed.
“We also want to work with local communities so that future decisions take account of local needs and priorities.”
Councillors will consider the report at a meeting on November 17.