Probe looks at new plan to buy extra burial land in Bridgnorth
A town council will investigate how much it will cost to secure a parcel of land in Bridgnorth which could be sold in the future to provide extra burial space.
An investigation will be launched into how much it would cost Bridgnorth Town Council to buy a plot of land to supply extra burial space.
The council is trying to secure additional land next to the current cemetery, but so far it has neither secured ownership of the land nor obtained planning permission.
Any land purchased would depend on whether planning permission is granted in the future for ‘change of use’.
Last month, council members decided to suspend the option of pre-purchasing grave spaces at the town’s cemetery after hearing plots were at a ‘dangerously low level’.
At a meeting on Tuesday night, the council agreed to look into the costs of securing an ‘option agreement’ on the land proposed for sale by the Apley Estate.
Agreed
Councillors are keen to know if it will remain available to buy at an agreed price – if planning permission is granted. A report to the council said an option agreement was normally undertaken through solicitors and would incur a fee.
The likely costs are estimated to be between £1,000 and £3,000.
It is expected that an option agreement will reduce the risk to the council should there be ‘significant changes in circumstances’ regarding the landowner, the report said.
It continued: “The town council is likely to be spending significant amounts on obtaining planning permission for a cemetery.
“It would do well to be sure that the land can be purchased despite any changes in circumstances before it looks to incur those costs.”
Town clerk Lee Jakeman has now been tasked with looking into the costs of securing an option agreement. The matter will then be brought back to council members for approval.
Bridgnorth’s cemetery dates from 1850 and is located a mile north of the town centre off the A442 in a sandstone area, which has been designated an area of Special Scientific Interest.
It is anticipated that if the additional land is obtained, works to landscape the grounds and prepare it for interments would take ‘some time and certainly more than 12 months’.
Last month the town council agreed to suspend with immediate effect the option to pre-purchase burial space in Bridgnorth Cemetery until additional cemetery land has been purchased or is assured.
