Cullompton cemetery is owned, managed and maintained by Cullompton
Town Council on behalf of the parish community. It was established in
1856 and contains two Grade II Listed Buildings, a chapel available
free of charge for those wanting a small private funeral service and a
mortuary now used as a workshop and store.
In the 1920s the
council bought a field at the top end of the cemetery to use as an
extension when needed. Unfortunately when the council decided that the
time had come to extend planning permission to use this fields for
burials was refused. The council appealed against this decision but an
Inspector at a Local Plan Public Enquiry in 1996 ruled against the
council and decided that the council must use an area of land to the
west of the cemetery, identified in the Mid Devon Local Plan for this
purpose, as it would provide an opportunity to deal with existing
problems of inadequate vehicular access and parking.
Unfortunately
the council do not own the land to the west of the cemetery but they
are now negotiating with the owners to purchase it. A geological survey
has been carried out which concluded that the land was suitable for
burials and a local company of architects and surveyors is now drawing
up layout and design plans for the extension.
The council
would like to make the best possible use of this land and ensure that
what is provided will meet the needs of everyone for at least the next
50 years. In order for the architect to draw up the plans he needs to
understand what facilities are required and, in order to ensure that
everyone's needs are met, the council would like to understand the view
of the community.
Issues which need to be considered.
The
cemetery has no electricity supply, no public toilet (just a portaloo
for staff use), and the only water supply is via two taps at the
entrance used by the public for grave maintenance.
Should the council provide public toilets in the extension area?
The
top field has remained unused for at least 40 years, the only access is
though the cemetery and in the next field is a Roman Fort which is
designated as an Ancient Monument. It is, therefore, unlikely that
there will ever be any development in that area.
What use can the council make of this field?
Currently
the cemetery provides plots for the interment of bodies and smaller
plots for the interment of ashes, there is no garden of remembrance or
any other provision for the scattering of ashes. Approximately 75% of
all those that die in Britain are cremated.
Should the council provide a garden of remembrance in the extension?
Cremation
creates pollution and burials use quite a lot of land and many people
are now considering alternative forms of burial such as 'woodland
burials'. These are often referred to as 'green' burials and the
intention is to create a natural woodland as a habitat for wildlife.
Instead of a headstone an indigenous tree or bush is planted on each
grave. Bodies are buried in biodegradeable containers such as cardboard
coffins or shrouds and, if so desired, families can arrange their own
funerals without using the services of an undertaker.
One
disadvantage is that only one body can be interred in each plot and
plots cannot be reserved which means that people cannot be buried
beside their loved ones as in a more formal cemetery.
Should the council consider providing an area as a woodland burial ground?
If
you have a view on any of the above or any other issues affecting the
cemetery then why not let the Town Council know (Phone 38249 or email Judy Morris).
