Grendall Lane As Cemetery Site Would Be High Risk - Council Seek More Options
The Environment Agency(EA) have laid down strict guidelines for the development of new cemeteries which include that graves should not hold any standing water when dug, there should be at least 1 metre between base of grave and water table; more if the soil has high infiltration rates. Also, graves should be at least 250m away from wells and potable water supplies. If the ground was waterlogged and pumps were used to discharge "grey" water directly or indirectly from a grave area into surface it would be an offence under the Groundwater Regulations 1998. Also, there should be no burials within 10 meters of land drains.
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Google Maps: Grendall Lane site is under consideration |
The Grendall Lane site site has been found to contain active land drains and the depth to groundwater beneath the site is potentially too high to allow double depth burials, according to the report to the Council, which continues, "it is unlikely that the EA would consider this site suitable for burials without significant further assessment and remedial work." The report ends, saying, "Our view is that this site remains as high risk and that serious consideration should be given to reviewing other potentially more suitable sites in the local area."
Following discussion, the committee resolved to note the findings of the interim report, to confirm the completion of the assessment; to seek feedback from the Environment Agency in due course; to explore with CDS a shared use option of allotments and a cemetery and thus a smaller red line location for a cemetery; to explore with Dunstable Town Council options for a joint facility; to look to CBC for further options in nearby villages to look for further options.