Available burial space vanishing across Sandwell prompting review
Space needed for burials in Sandwell is quickly running out after controversial plans for a cemetery expansion were put on hold.
A report to Sandwell Council said that five of the authority's eight cemeteries can currently accommodate new burials in the short-term before there is no space left.
It comes after councillors put the brakes on plans to build a new burial space opposite the existing Powke Lane Crematorium, in Rowley Regis, after concerns were raised.
The council had received two petitions containing more than 800 signatures against the plans.
Council bosses are now searching for alternative options for the future of burial space in Sandwell – including identifying new sites for cemetery developments and reusing current graves.
Latest statistics suggest around 80 per cent of bereaved families are now choosing cremation, while the remaining 20 per cent choose burial – but it is unlikely the demand for burial will subside completely.
Council officers have used data and the number of graves available at the eight sites to work out how long each site will be able to accommodate new burials.
It is believed there are approximately 10,780 burial spaces available in the borough which could run out in less than 50 years.
A report to the safer neighbourhoods and active communities scrutiny board states: "Given the leading time necessary to potentially develop new cemeteries in the borough or to achieve the necessary legislative provision to re-use graves, Sandwell needs to ascertain now the importance it places on provision of burial space for bereaved families in the borough.
"In the event a position on this matter cannot be determined (do nothing), bereaved families will eventually be required to consider alternative arrangements for their loved ones, in particular those families in West Bromwich and Rowley Regis."
