Ascot running out of burial space
Search is on for new burial grounds
Politicians are getting increasingly worried that there’s nowhere to bury people who pass away in Ascot.
Sunninghill and Ascot parish council have begun the search for a new burial ground after confirming that the section of St Michael and All Angels cemetery they manage is now effectively full.
The parish council has been responsible for a large section of burial space at St Michael’s church, but now they urgently need to find somewhere new.
Parish Clerk Esther Cope said: “In terms of availability, the section of St Michael & All Angels cemetery managed by the Parish Council – the far side of the main cemetery, which includes the more recent burials – is now full, with only re-openings currently possible.
“The first section as you enter the main cemetery is managed by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and any enquiries regarding this closed section would need to be directed to them.”
Other nearby churchyards, including St Michael’s extension, also fall outside the parish’s control and are managed by their respective churches or authorities.
A report to councillors in January set out the “need to plan for future burial provision”, warning that the existing cemetery is “nearing capacity” against a backdrop of population growth and new development in the parish.
The paper asked members to “formalise the requirement for a new cemetery site” and give officers a mandate to start structured work on identifying suitable land.
Future provision, it says, should include space for full burials and cremated remains, consecrated and unconsecrated ground, and be suitable for all faiths, with careful attention to layout, access, drainage, memorial policies and long‑term maintenance.
At the full council meeting on Tuesday, January 13, councillors agreed that the clerk should carry out preliminary research into possible locations for a new parish cemetery.
The report also highlights that public consultation will be “integral” to understanding community expectations, and suggests that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money could help fund land purchase and initial set‑up costs.
Work on the project is due to run through the council’s Leisure and Cultural Committee and Finance and Personnel Committee, with updates brought back to full council.