Agenda item

Burial Capacity - Update January 2021

To consider an update regarding burial capacity within the Borough

Minutes:

The Committee received a report, set out in agenda pages 29 to 32, which gave an updated position with regards to burial ground capacity within the Wokingham Borough, and details related to the proposed crematorium.

 

The report outlined that when the previous update had come to the Committee there had been concern over the provision of burial plots within the Borough. Since then, further research had been undertaken which identified approximately 1000 vacant plots, spread between both Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) and other sites. The current provision of vacant burial plots should provide for between 17 and 20 years of capacity based on current demands. The report added that a trend of increasing number of cremations had been seen within the Borough. There were a number of potential burial ground expansions planned, including the site owned by Earley Town Council at May’s Lane. Relating to the proposed crematorium, a market appraisal would be undertaken in February 2021, and this would include the unique selling point that the site would offer. The report outlined that the proposed crematorium would look to offer environmentally friendly service, including possible woodland burials.

 

Nigel Bailey, Interim Assistant Director - Housing & Place Commissioning, attended the meeting to answer Member queries.

 

During the ensuing discussions, Members raised the following points and queries:

 

·           What was the approximate amount of current vacant plots at WBC owned sites? Officer response – Approximately 500 plots were vacant across WBC sites.

 

·           How would the proposed crematorium promote environmentally friendly services when harmful emissions were released from coffins when cremated? Officer response – This was part of the unique selling point that was to be determined for this site. The site would look to operate as environmentally friendly as possible. Different ways of achieving this could include having no gas fires on site, and promoting coffins which did not release harmful pollutants into the environment when burnt. It was crucial that if this site was to be developed, then it needed to be done properly which necessitated thorough research and planning. Members asked that an update relating to the proposed crematorium return to the Committee when further research had been completed.

 

·           It was noted that approximately 400 new burial plots and 1400 new cremation plots would be provided in the Earley Town Council site, with work hopefully starting in the next couple of months.

 

·           Where were woodland burials proposed to take place? Officer response – The intention was to link a woodland burial site to the proposed crematorium. The location of either site was yet to be determined, however the sites needed to be well located and accessible.

 

·           Where was there provision for Jewish burials within Berkshire? Officer response – At present, there was no specific demand for this service within Wokingham. Officers would investigate where there was provision within Berkshire and provide an answer.

 

·           The Committee welcomed that when WBC was approached by a family whose father was of the Baha’i faith, a special area was provided within the St Sebastian’s site for burials of the Baha’i faith to take place.

 

·           The Committee noted that with approximately 5% of people who have passed away within the Borough in the last year choosing a burial, it was looking likely that there may be demand for the proposed crematorium. Officer commented that significantly increased death rates had thankfully not yet been realised within the Borough as a result of Covid-19, and this was the general trend across Berkshire. There did appear to be an ongoing trend of increased cremations, and more information relating to this would be available in February.

 

·           Members noted that livestreaming capabilities for cremations could account for some of the increases seen this past year. Officers agreed that this could be one possible reason for the increases seen.

 

·           The Committee thanked WBC officers, and staff across all burial sites within the Borough for their assistance in providing a clearer picture relating to burial provision across the Borough. Many, if not all, of the concerns originally raised by the Committee had been mitigated, and the Committee praised all involved for doing a sterling job. The Committee identified this as an example of Overview & Scrutiny working particularly well.

 

RESOLVED That:

 

1)     Nigel Bailey be thanked for attending the Committee;

 

2)     Information be provided to the Committee regarding where Jewish burial provision was located within Berkshire;

 

3)     Updated information relating to the proposed crematorium return to the Committee when further investigatory works had been carried out;

 

4)     WBC officers and staff across all burial sites within the Borough be thanked for their assistance in providing a clearer picture relating to burial provision across the Borough.

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