Cheshire East Council invites comments on cemeteries strategy

Cheshire East Council is inviting comments on its cemeteries strategy and new proposals that include making future burial provision available at all existing council cemeteries.

The council’s current cemeteries strategy was adopted in 2019 and sets out the approach to how it uses the land within the cemeteries it controls to meet future needs for local burials and memorials for as long as possible.

A consultation has been launched to ensure that comments and views on the strategy are understood before an updated document is presented to the council’s environment and communities committee for debate and adoption.

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: “In addition to hearing people’s ideas and opinions, the main change we are proposing in the update of the cemeteries strategy is to make future burial provision available at all existing council cemeteries by extending them where possible.

“This is instead of focusing provision only in our largest two burial facilities in Crewe and Macclesfield – which have the most remaining space for burial – as the existing strategy sets out.

“This would mean more local provision is available, however, it would be a more expensive option for the council, and this of course must be weighed against other contending council service needs.”

As part of the consultation, the council is also inviting views on its cemetery regulations, which are the general terms and conditions under which the authority operates its cemeteries. 

They are designed to ensure the safe and peaceful operation and enjoyment of the cemeteries for all visitors and staff.

The consultation will close at 5pm on 9 December, and an updated strategy will then be developed which takes into account the feedback given.

It is currently expected that this version will be presented to the environment and communities committee in March next year for further public feedback before a final version is adopted in late spring.

To have your say, complete the short online survey here by scrolling down to the Cemeteries Strategy and Regulations 2022 Consultation section.

You can also email your comments or write to: Research and Consultation, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, CW11 1HZ.

Alternatively, you can request the survey to be sent to you in an alternative format, including having a paper version, sent to your home for completion, by emailing.