Rethinking Rest: The Push to Reuse Old Graves Amid Space Shortage in England and Wales

Ancient burial sites might be recycled to address space deficits

The Law Commission has alerted that cities throughout England and Wales are quickly depleting their burial grounds, suggesting that old cemeteries be reopened and repurposed.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 1

Ancient burial sites might be repurposed and previously sealed cemeteries might be reactivated as part of strategies to address the lack of available burial spaces.

The Law Commission has recommended utilizing cemeteries designated as "full" from the Victorian period.

The autonomous group responsible for evaluating legislation in England and Wales has issued a caution that cities are quickly depleting available space for burials.

The suggested modifications permit all cemeteries to repurpose gravesites, provided they undergo public consultation and receive authorization from the government.

Protective measures will be implemented for each burial site, allowing plots to be reused only after at least 75 years have passed since the most recent burial.

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A different public consultation is currently examining the periods related to reusing graves and addressing potential objections from relatives.

Professor Nick Hopkins, who oversees Property, Family, and Trust Law, emphasized that public consultation is essential for any proposed amendments.

"He stated that our suggestions offer a substantial chance to overhaul the laws governing burials and cremations, ensuring that there will be adequate burial space available for future generations."

"It is essential to approach this with sensitivity and broad public backing."

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Under existing laws, it is prohibited to repurpose cemetery land for any use other than the expansion of a religious facility.

Public cemeteries operated by the government may undergo redevelopment once an Act of Parliament is obtained by the owner.

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Alex Davies-Jones, who serves as the parliamentary under-secretary of state for the Ministry of Justice, expressed the government's backing for the initiatives undertaken by the Law Commission.

"She expressed anticipation for the Law Commission's forthcoming recommendations on establishing a contemporary and uniform regulatory framework for burial and cremation processes," she stated.

Feedback from the public on the suggested modifications is being accepted through January 2025.

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