New plots set to be created at Dorking cemetery

Dorking Cemetery is set to gain hundreds of extra burial plots which would be created on land where paths are cleared.

Mole Valley District Council’s scrutiny committee has recommended clearing the way for an additional 152 plots.

Forty-five plots would be available for pre-purchase, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council papers say: “Currently Dorking cemetery does not benefit from the ability to reuse and reclaim graves. Indeed it would require an application for an Act of Parliament for it to do so.”

Reusing graves could potentially provide space for a further 337 double plots. At current rates that would provide enough space for a further 17 years.

But to meet immediate demand the committee is recommending paths are removed to make extra space within the existing layout.

Leader of the council Stephen Cooksey said: “Various longer term solutions have been considered but in February 2024 the council approved a modest expansion achieved by removing several paths and adding 71 additional plots of which 16 were available for pre purchase.

“These works have been completed, there’s been no adverse reaction from the public and the pre-purchase arrangements have proved popular."

The committee heard that the public would still have sufficient access to grave sites even with the reduced network of paths.

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