Bottisham Cemetery Survey
https://bit.ly/Bottisham_Cemetery_Survey
The Victorian cemetery in the centre of the village is nearing capacity (will now be full within two years) and, after gaining views from Bottisham residents, it was determined that a new cemetery was required.
Background
Aware of the imminent need for a new cemetery, the Parish Council established a resident’s working party in 2012. This group then carried out a village survey in spring 2013 to identify views of residents in relation to their interment needs. The survey indicated a strong continuing wish for a cemetery within walking distance of the village and a second key consideration was easy access and parking for vehicles.
Having established resident’s desire for a continued cemetery provision within the village, the working party set about identifying suitable sites that met the following criteria set by the Environment Agency.
Search Criteria
- no burials within 30.00m of a watercourse
- no burials within 10.00m of a field drain or dry ditch
- the need for at least 1.00m of unsaturated soil below the bottom of the grave (ie water-table of >2.83m below surface for double burials
The Parish Council own no land in Bottisham village. Therefore, it had to look at the purchase of land. The search was a challenge as, close to the village, there were no areas of land that offered easy vehicular access and didn't have a watercourse flowing close by or was low lying.
Chosen Site
Only one site proved to be a viable option. The alternative would be for residents to be buried in neighbouring villages. This just displaces the problem and does not enable people to be buried in the community where they live.
The site identified and chosen was off Lode Road. This site was:
- within walking distance of the village
- >30.00m away from a watercourse (apart from the southern corner)
- located at the top of an incline – (good drainage)
- adjacent to the road network with easy access for parking and good visibility
- the property of a willing landowner (National Trust)
The land is held by the National Trust in Trust and is “inalienable”.
Our aim is that the new cemetery will be more than a place of burial — a peaceful green space for the whole village, with opportunities for education, biodiversity, and quietreflection.
Why not use this area as a Play Area?
There are 2 answers to this:
1) The National Trust has made quite clear that they would not co-operate with a sale of this land for a play area. It was the particular requirement of the village for a cemetery at this location that persuaded them to cooperate with a compulsory purchase.
2) This is the only land identified as suitable for interments around Bottisham. If used as a play area there would definitely never be a cemetery built for the village. Whereas the requirements for a play area mean that it is easier to find a suitable location.There is a working group of volunteers (residents in Bottisham) who are currently in discussions with East Cambs District Council (ECDC) to develop play provision on land being transferred into the ownership of the District Council - located close to Bottisham Meadows. The planned retirement village off the High Street. will also provide additional amenity/play areas for Bottisham. See play area.
Site Research, Surveys & Studies
Professional cemetery consultants were engaged to guide us with the project and in carrying out the several required studies – most importantly two years of dip-well measurements. We unfortunately discovered, even though at the top of a slope, the water table can still rise quite high over winter - making it necessary to import soil to create a 2 m. platform in which to make interments. This is not uncommon with new cemeteries being developed in line with modern environmental standards, especially in low-lying areas. Littleport Town Council is also importing soil to create a new cemetery and it is likely this will be a requirement of all future cemeteries constructed around the low lying Fens!
Challenges & Achievements
- Land purchase - A compulsory purchase is needed as the land is inalienable. This can only by exercised by ECDC on our behalf, as the Parish Council does not have the power to exercise a compulsory purchase. A compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. The National Trust has given its willingness to co-operate with a compulsory purchase. However, they insisted on having an input into the design and approval of the plans prior to work commencement. This is to align with their national priorities of protecting nature, beauty and history
- Covid-19 delays - Unfortunately we encountered additional delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The good news is that we have now obtained planning consent.
- Receiving a grant from ECDC - It took time but we obtained a grant from ECDC towards the costs of the purchase. As a public authority, we can obtain a competitive 50-year loan from the Public Works Loan Board. We do not expect that the precept will need to be increased to fund the building of the cemetery.
Next Steps
- ECDC purchase the site - hopefully completed Spring 2026
- Go out to tender to contractors to build the cemetery - Early December 2025 (completed)
- Appoint approved contractor to build the cemetery following invitation to tender - End of December 2025
- Commence construction – hopefully April 2026 onwards
- Engage with local schools to identifying opportunities for ecological educational initiatives
Formal Opening
Optimistically we hope for a formal “opening” of the cemetery to take place in 2027.
