READING Borough Council is seeking residents’ views as it lays out proposals to return allotments to use for burial space.
With the town set to run out of burial space by the end of the decade, the council has put forward plans to change Henley Road allotments to their previous use as cemetery land.
Councillors have proposed the move in response, as an effort to keep burials in the borough available as a choice for residents.
While the council says it has explored alternatives, it is now recommending the change as the “most realistic and affordable” solution, estimating that it would create burial space in the town until around 2044.
The allotments are on reserve cemetery ground, which means that public use was granted until it was needed for burials.
Preliminary ground water surveys show the ground is highly likely to be suitable for burial use and be granted a permit by the Environment Agency.
A report has been compiled in anticipation of the Policy Committee meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, September 17th.
Councillors aim to begin a consultation with holders of plots at the site to identify mitigations, including possible rent-free periods and help to move to other sites.
Ellie Emberson, Lead Councillor for Corporate Services and Resources, said: “The Council has known for some time that burial space in Reading is extremely limited and that is a position that many other towns and cities find themselves in.
“It goes without saying open land in a tight, urban area like Reading is at a premium. That has been borne out by surveys which show what little land there is, either inside or close to the borough, is unsuitable, unavailable, or financially un-viable.
“And while there is no legal obligation for any council to provide burial space, we are clear that it is a service we want to be able to continue to offer to residents in Reading.
She explained: “The Council is very aware that for tenants themselves, allotments are not just plots of land and can often represent many years of hard work.
“We are therefore keen to engage them in conversation as part of this consultation to fully understand the package of support which would best work for them, whilst accepting there is no ideal scenario if we are asking them to vacate Henley Road over the next two or three-year period.
“There are various options under consideration, including offering them plots at other existing locations, help with moving or compensation, and we hope the consultation feedback received will help us identify any alternatives.”
If agreed at Policy Committee on 18 September, a consultation on future burial provision with allotment holders, residents and faith groups would launch ahead of a formal decision.
The full report is available to read via: democracy.reading.gov.uk
