Richmond upon Thames Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee has voted to proceed with the expansion of Teddington Cemetery, a decision that will see a portion of the Shacklegate Lane allotments reclaimed for burial space. The move comes despite significant public opposition and concerns raised by allotment holders and local councillors.
The committee heard that Teddington Cemetery currently has only one burial plot remaining. Melissa Jacobs-Loway, Business Development Manager for the Cemetery Service, stated that the cemetery was approximately allocating 20 plots a year, and in five years, that would be 100 plots, indicating a significant demand. The projection of 'only one burial plot remaining' is based on the current allocation of upcoming funerals and the limited availability within the borough. The expansion is expected to provide 30 years of burial space based on current modelling.
While alternative burial solutions and the reuse of older graves were discussed, officers indicated that these options are complex and time-consuming, with legislative changes potentially further delaying their implementation. The Law Commission's report proposes extending the period for grave reuse, which officers noted could further delay such options. Councillor Wynne mentioned that London boroughs were granted powers in 2007 to reuse old graves of 75 years or more, and that countries across Europe reuse graves after 25 to 40 years. The Law Commission's report suggests extending the period to 100 years, with objections potentially moving it to 125 years, making reclamation even further away. Other alternatives discussed included narrowing unused roads at the back of sites and using that space for burials, and using unused space in Area L within Chakra Gap End Cemetery with Victorian-sized graves.
During the meeting, Mrs. Jane Cowling presented a petition signed by over 1,700 residents, arguing that the allotments are a vital green lung for the community and important for local food production. Councillor Chas Warlow, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, supported the residents, urging the committee to reconsider the decision in light of the climate and nature emergency. Councillor Jonathan Cardi advocated for alternative burial solutions and the preservation of a portion of the allotments, while Mr. Martin Baker argued that there was no immediate burial space emergency and that the council's decision was driven by a lack of forward planning.
Ms. Candice Taylor, an allotment holder, proposed a compromise of partial reclamation, suggesting that the eastern section of the allotments could provide 11 years of burial capacity without impacting the western side. However, officers advised that a phased approach would be unfeasible due to excavation and safety implications. These include the need for a compound, the removal of a bund running along the middle of the site which requires excavation, and the ground moving. Officers also cited the risk associated with construction traffic moving in and out of the site. The advice received was that a phased approach would not be safe, convenient, or appropriate.
Regarding the loss of green space and local food production, the council's plan is to return part of the site to food growing locally. Councillor Neden-Watts stated, whilst we will not, if we go ahead with this, we would not have allotment space on that site, we would have space for people to grow food locally.
She also expressed hope that the relationship with the local community could be mended to return food growing to that site.
The council's long-term strategy for burial space provision beyond this expansion involves waiting for the Law Commission's report and government consideration on grave reuse and reclamation. They are also planning to bring a cemetery strategy to the committee later in the year, informed by the Law Commission's report, which will be consulted on. The projected needs for the next 20-50 years are not explicitly detailed, but officers are also waiting for another review by the Law Commission concerning end-of-life considerations.
Despite the strong public opposition and arguments presented, the committee ultimately voted to proceed with the council's plan to expand the cemetery.
