LOCAL FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFERS SOLUTION TO TEDDINGTON ALLOTMENTS ROW
Richmond Council wants to extend Teddington Cemetery onto Shacklegate Lane allotments to meet urgent demand for more burial spaces causing a major local controversy in the borough with local residents claiming the allotments are vital to grow food cheaply and for mental health. Here, local funeral directors White Rose have their say.
A BLOG BY WHITE ROSE MODERN FUNERALS:
A local debate has emerged as Richmond Council explores ways to address the growing shortage of burial space across the borough.
The focus is on Teddington Cemetery, where the council is proposing to reclaim a section of neighbouring allotments to create new grave plots.
The proposal has prompted strong community interest, with allotment holders voicing concern about losing land that many have tended for years.
The council has explained that the land in question has long been designated for cemetery use, though it has been temporarily used as allotments while burial space was not required.
According to the council, plot holders were informed several years ago that the site could be needed for future burials and were encouraged to apply for alternative allotment plots elsewhere in the borough.
Nevertheless, the potential loss of a well-loved community space has caused understandable concern among residents.
A wider issue: burial space shortages in London
The situation at Teddington Cemetery mirrors a broader challenge across London’s cemeteries.
With limited land availability and rising demand, many boroughs are facing a serious shortage of burial plots.
This has prompted both local authorities and national organisations to explore alternative and sometimes controversial solutions.
The Law Commission has proposed reforms to burial law that could make it easier for councils to reuse older graves after a certain period has passed.
In London, where cemetery space is particularly scarce, some sites already operate under special powers that allow for grave reuse in specific circumstances.
Two main approaches are being considered to create additional burial capacity across cemeteries in London:
OPTION ONE: reusing graves
After a public consultation, graves (excluding those from World War II) that have not been used for over 75 years can revert to council ownership.
Existing remains may be carefully reinterred deeper within the same grave, allowing additional burials above, or any unused space within the grave can be made available for new interments.
OPTION TWO: raising ground levels
This involves adding soil to “mound up” certain areas, leaving existing graves undisturbed but creating new depth above for future burials.
This approach would involve the temporary removal of memorials and sensitive planning to maintain the cemetery’s character.
Balancing community and cemetery needs
The discussion surrounding Teddington Cemetery highlights the difficult balance between preserving valued community spaces such as allotments and ensuring there is sufficient burial provision for future generations.
As London’s population continues to grow and land becomes increasingly scarce, local councils face complex decisions about how to manage space for both the living and the deceased.
At White Rose Modern Funerals, local funeral directors in Richmond upon Thames, we stay informed about local developments that may affect burial and cremation options across our borough, including Teddington, Twickenham and the surrounding areas.
For families considering a burial, our team can offer guidance on cemetery availability, explain the implications of changing burial laws, and help plan a personal and meaningful farewell.