Why a new consultation?
Last year we reported that the cemetery on Brackley Road is almost full and will run out of space in 2024. To create a new cemetery off the Tingewick Road roundabout the Town Council needs to borrow from Central Government. The loan repayments must be paid from the precept – the portion of Council Tax paid to Buckingham Town Council.
![](https://www.buckingham-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Brackley-Rd-Cem-1024x564.jpg)
Previous consultation result:
The result of the previous consultation was 67% in favour of the cemetery, maintenance depot, and allotments, with 42% in favour of increasing the precept by 7.2% to fund repayments.
So what’s changed?
![](https://www.buckingham-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GOR-extension-Brackely-Rd-1024x768.jpg)
We have listened to your feedback from the first consultation regarding the scale and cost of the original development and have reduced the project down to the essentials needed to open a working cemetery and allotments.
What is included in the revised plan?
- 746 burial plots, including areas for traditional burials, lawn burials, children’s section, and a wooded area for ashes. This should last for about 80 years.
- 30 allotment plots (average 25m²). We have a public duty to provide more of these.
- Car parking for 30 vehicles, including disabled bays.
- Wildflower and tree planting, and appropriate landscaping.
Reduced cost:
This project will cost in the region of £1.25 million – around half of the original price. The fixed rate Public Works Loan would be repaid over 50 years. Repayments will cost approximately £72,000 a year. Most of this is already budgeted for, but it may be necessary to increase the precept by around £2,600 (47p a year for a Band D property).
The new consultation:
We are asking residents if they support the Town Council borrowing £1.25 million to develop a basic but functional cemetery and allotments. The consultation closes on Tuesday 17th October 2023. If you have any questions please see our website, send us an email, or give us a ring.