Agenda item

A report from the Director – Regeneration and Environment is attached. This outlines the Council’s proposal to extend Edmonton Cemetery.  (Key decision – reference number 4234)

(Report No.102)

(8.55 – 9.00 pm)

Councillor Daniel Anderson (Cabinet Member for Environment) introduced the report of the Director – Regeneration and Environment (No.102) outlining the Council’s proposals to extend Edmonton Cemetery.

NOTED

1.               The growing demand for burial space within the Borough and the proposals being put forward following an extensive study of all potential options, as detailed in the report.

2.               That the proposals would enable the provision of 1718 new burial plots.

3.               That Table 2 in the report set out the financial summary over a 20 year period. Members noted a correction to the Business Case figures appended to the report with the summary figure for year 22 being -396 rather than -388 as stated.

4.               Councillor Fonyonga outlined the results of the surveys which had been undertaken on the usage levels of the current 14 tennis courts. It was noted that the maximum number of courts in use at any one time had been recorded as 3. The proposals, supported by Sports England and the Lawn Tennis Association, subject to planning approval and consultation, would result in a £250k investment into tennis facilities and the development of sport across the borough, as set out in detail in the report.

5.               That the skate park would be unaffected by the proposals.

6.               The current arrangements for the use and leasing of burial plots.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the five alternative options which had been considered as set out in full in section 5 of the report and listed below:

·       Option 1 – Develop all the land next to the A10, replacing all the tennis courts (14) and the skate park

·       Option 2 – Develop part of the land next to the A10 (excluding the skate park), removing 10 of the existing 14 tennis courts and investing in the remaining 4 tennis courts and other tennis facilities within the borough (the recommended option)

·       Option 3 – Develop other land adjacent to the cemetery

·       Option 4 – Create a new cemetery at a different location

·       Option 5 – Do nothing

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to approve

1.               Option 2, the redirection of capital expenditure, funding through borrowing, of £1.8 million to extend Edmonton Cemetery onto part of the land owned by the Council adjacent to the A10. This would enable the provision of 1718 new burial plots to assist in meeting the future burial demand, subject to planning approval.

2.               To assist the development, the reduction of 10 tennis courts (of the 14 currently provided) on the proposed site and to ring-fence a dedicated capital sum (also redirected from within the existing capital programme) of £250k, as part of the overall £2.05 million budget, to assist the development of tennis within the borough.

3.               Subject to 1 and 2 above, and consultation with stakeholders, to appropriate the land for planning purposes and to delegate to the Director – Regeneration and Environment (in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member) the decision to procure, negotiate and award contracts (in accordance with the Council’s Procurement Rules) for the works as appropriate.

Reason: The recommended option was option 2 this option retained the skateboard park and 4 tennis courts on the site meeting the public’s demand and usage (the full reasons were set out in section 7 of the report)

(Key decision – reference number 4234)