Cemetery Extension and Crematorium

Broxbourne Borough Council has submitted an outline planning application for a new cemetery and crematorium on a site at Woollensbrook, Hertford Road, Hoddesdon.  If approved, it would enable the provision of a crematorium in the Borough in an accessible and attractive location, avoiding the need to travel to Enfield, Harlow and Stevenage.  It would also provide additional cemetery space in the northern half of the Borough.

The Borough Council’s existing Ware Road cemetery is running short of space and there is no scope to extend it. The Council considers that there is a need to provide a new cemetery to cater for the northern half of the Borough and the site at Hertford Road has been identified as a suitable and convenient location.
 
There is currently no crematorium in Broxbourne. Given the existing need for cremations, which will increase in future with an increasing and ageing population, it is considered that the proposal presents an opportunity for a facility to be built which is conveniently located for Broxbourne residents.   Providing a crematorium and a cemetery on the same site means savings could be made in terms of both construction costs and ongoing management.

The application site covers an area of 11.7 acres and is located on the south side of Hertford Road immediately to the west of the A10. The application proposes that the crematorium building would be located on the flat southern part of the site where Box Wood provides an attractive backdrop.  67 car parking spaces are proposed with space for overflow car parking.  Adjacent to the crematorium there would be a garden of remembrance.  The northern part of the site would be reserved for cemetery use, with a 14 space car park for visitors and further space for car parking.  A new access road and bridge over Woollensbrook would be provided from Hertford Road to the east of the existing access.

The planning application is likely to be considered by the Planning and Regulatory Committee on 13 September. If the Council is minded to grant planning permission the application would need to be referred to the Secretary of State as the site is located in the Green Belt.

In line with planning rules and regulations, full reports are available for inspection at the Borough Offices and the Hoddesdon One Stop Shop as part of the submitted planning application.

The Broxbourne Council Online Planning Search facility can be accessed here.

For further information contact Richard Grove, Special Projects Co-ordinator on 01992 785555 ext 5687 or email rdg.projects@broxbourne.gov.uk