Bicester Town Council is urgently seeking a solution to the shortage of burial spaces in the town.
Currently there are 28 single burial plots and 31 plots for cremated remains. Based on current interment rates it is expected space could run out within a year. The Environment Agency has previously told the town council it cannot extend the current cemetery, adjoining St Edburg’s Churchyard. It was last extended in 2010.
Legally, the town council does not have to provide burial services, but has chosen to provide these service under powers within the Local Government Act.
For the past 20 years, the town council has worked with landowners, developers and Cherwell District Council to find suitable burial space in Bicester. But complications relating to the high water table across the town have made it more difficult to find an appropriate site.
In 2016, land for a new cemetery was identified in the Supplementary Planning Document for the North West Bicester eco settlement. The new site sits between a road and a railway embankment and is currently used as agricultural land. A hedge which crosses the site needs to be retained as part of the eco town policy. The town council is working closely with the district council to expedite the transfer.
As soon as this happens, the town council would be able to submit a planning application for a burial site, but the planning and building process could take up to two years due to the complexities involved in implementing the proposed design.
Councillors will decide on Tuesday, March 2, whether to look at a range of measures to try and mitigate the shortfall.
These include:
- An appeal to for anyone who has pre-purchased a plot is being urged to consider selling them back to the council
- Employ consultants to review the existing cemetery again – the last review took place in 2009.
- Limiting the remaining burial spaces to residents only
- Provide burial arrangements outside of Bicester
Council leader Cllr Richard Mould said: “We are urgently liaising with Cherwell District Council to expedite the transfer of land at the eco settlement, but even if this were to happen soon, there is still at least two-years before the new site could start to be used.
“In the meantime, we are looking into every avenue possible to increase the number of spaces at Bicester cemetery. Unfortunately, we are reaching capacity and will likely run out within a year, so it’s imperative we seek to make alternative arrangements.”
Previously the town council has removed trees, converted small bits of scrubland to create extra plots, removed benches and horticulture features.
Last Updated 26 February 2021
