Issue - meetings

That:

1)        approval be given to proceed with the acquisition of the freehold title from the Diocese of Oxford consisting of 0.51 acres of land subject to planning permission (as detailed in Part 2 of the report);

2)        planning permission be sought and the land be developed to increase burial and memorial opportunities within the Borough.

The Executive considered a report relating to proposals for additional burial space and the development of a memorial garden in Ruscombe. 

The Executive Member for Environment emphasised that although cemeteries existed at St Sebastian’s, Wokingham Without and in Shinfield more capacity was required and there was no facility in the north of the Borough.  The proposal was therefore to purchase land from the Diocese of Oxford using S106 money and subject to planning permission develop the land to increase burial and memorial opportunities within the Borough.

Councillor Ross also advised the meeting that the Muslim community, who currently had to utilise provision in Reading and pay out of area fees, have been working with the Council to see if a service could be provided within the Borough to meet their needs.

RESOLVED That:

1)        approval be given to proceed with the acquisition of the freehold title from the Diocese of Oxford consisting of 0.51 acres of land subject to planning permission (as detailed in Part 2 of the report);

2)        planning permission be sought and the land be developed to increase burial and memorial opportunities within the Borough.