It’s a recurring theme in Reading that conflicting demands on limited space can lead to inevitable tensions.
We see it on our roads for example, where we must strike a balance between the space given to drivers, bus passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, which is no easy task. It’s also very visible around the delivery of much-needed homes, where the family homes are converted into flats and where national planning laws allow the conversion of old offices into sub-standard homes without consultation with neighbours. Space have never been at more of a premium in tight-knit urban towns and cities, particularly in the expensive south-east, and Reading is no different.
The theme rears its head again next week when the Council will consider how to address the acute shortage of future burial space in the town. As it stands, and unless a solution is found, in just six years time burials will no longer be able to take place in Reading as the town will run out of space.
We know that being buried outside of the borough you live in can cost families two or three times more than if you are a resident. There is also the important consideration that families understandably want to be able to visit graves which are close to home.
It’s an issue various London and other urban local authorities have been grappling with for some years.
In Reading we have explored several possible solutions, including looking for large enough sites both inside Reading and close to the borough boundary where ground conditions were suitable. While some options were considered, they are unaffordable at this time.
One of the options explored was at the current Henley Road allotments which are located on reserve cemetery ground. This means means use was this land as allotments is granted until such time it was needed in future years for burials. Having explored all options, Council officers are now recommending returning Henley Road allotment to their original intended use as cemetery land, located next to the current Henley Road cemetery as it is. If this option is pursued, it would create burial space for 2,300 graves in Reading, spanning a further 14-years, until 2044.
Last year the Council carried out some preliminary water surveys Henley Road allotments to test for ground suitability and, following a successful trial, is now recommending a period of public consultation with residents on taking this option forward.
We know that for allotment tenants, many of whom have worked on plots at Henley Road for some years, this will be disappointing news. If the consultation is agreed at committee next week, we want to engage with them to understand options for a package of support for them should they need to move. This could include offering them plots at alternative locations in Reading over the next two to three years, and officers are currently in the process of looking at options to extend some local allotment sites to create extra capacity. If moving is an option for people, support could include help from the Council in moving plots. Another option is a package of compensation.
The timing of the consultation and decision-making process is also important here, as we want allotment holders to make an informed decision on when and whether to continue to plant.
We know that for existing allotment holders at Henley Road unable or unwilling to move to an alternative site, there is no ideal scenario here. However, as a Council we firmly believe we need to continue to offer the option of burials in Reading to residents and their families.
Please do look out for details of the up-and-coming consultation over the coming weeks and whether you are an existing allotment holder, a Reading resident without an allotment or a community or faith group, please try and find some time to feedback your thoughts on what is an important issue for Reading.
Liz Terry is the leader of Reading Borough Council
