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.
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?
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.