Reading cemetery to be expanded into allotments
The council say they're running out of burial space
Last updated 15th Feb 2025
A PROPOSAL to return Henley Road allotments to its original intended use as cemetery ground is being recommended following public consultation and will be considered at a Policy Committee meeting on Monday night.
Burial space in Reading is expected to run out entirely by 2030 and without a solution, burials will no longer be able to take place in the town. The Council believes in-borough burial is a service which it should continue to offer to residents.
The Council’s recommendation is to return Henley Road allotments to its original intended use as cemetery land as it offers the most realistic and affordable solution and would create burial space for a further 14-year period, up to 2044. The allotments at Henley Road are located on reserve cemetery ground, which means the temporary use was only granted until such time as it was needed for burials.
Consultations
Public consultation on the proposals took place through the Autumn, which included an online questionnaire, two public meetings and individual discussions with faith groups.
A total of 330 responses were received, of which 64 responses were from current Henley Road allotment holders. Key findings include:
46.4% (153 responses) believe the Council should continue to provide burials in Reading. 26.4% (87 responses) disagreed, including 62 allotment holders.
40.6% (134 responses), including 2 allotment holders, supported using the Henley Road allotment site for new graves. 41.5% (137 responses) disagreed, including 62 allotment holders.
40.3% (133 responses) supported a new cemetery outside Reading from 2044 onwards. 26.4% (57 responses) disagreed.
Out of 45 current Henley Road allotment holders who responded to the consultation question, 26 said they would want to continue on an alternative allotment site. Most would also seek support from the Council if relocating to a new plot, whether that is help with preparation, physical support with moving, a long and agreed notice period or financial support to reflect crop loss.
Following a review of all consultation responses and feedback, Council officers are recommending that the preferred option remains as closing the Henley Road allotment site by July 2028 and seeking planning permission to convert it into burial space.
Upsetting
Ellie Emberson, Lead Councillor for Corporate Services and Resources, said:
“While Henley Road is reserve cemetery ground and was therefore always likely to be required for burial space at some point, we of course recognise that for existing allotment holders the thought of uprooting and moving to an alternative plot will be upsetting, particularly for those who have cultivated at the site for several years.
“The Council feels strongly however that it should continue to offer residents the option of burial in their hometown, and this is backed up by the consultation response which shows the majority of people believe we should continue to provide burials inside Reading.
“Having exhausted all other realistic and affordable options, the recommendation is now to return the allotments to its original intended use, albeit not for some years yet, which would give plot holders considerable notice.
“If the recommendation is agreed, we are fully committed to working with allotment holders to provide alternative sites where required and to develop a detailed plan to mitigate other impacts, whether that is help in relocating or financial support. The consultation generated a significant number of comments in that respect, which will be invaluable in helping officers to develop a comprehensive mitigation plan.
“I’d like to thank everybody who took the time to take part in the consultation.”