Plans to extend a south west London cemetery on to land currently used for allotments have been recommended for approval, despite opposition from residents and plot holders. Richmond Council is seeking to expand Teddington Cemetery on to the Shacklegate Lane allotments to address a shortage of burial space.
Council officers have said there is an urgent need for additional burial capacity, with Teddington Cemetery expected to reach its limit within the next year. The proposed Teddington Cemetery extension would create around 616 new burial plots, which are expected to be filled over approximately 30 years.
In a report recommending approval, officers said the council would still meet its required number of allotments across the borough. They added that alternative sites would be offered to those currently using the Shacklegate Lane plots. The report also noted that plans to extend the cemetery on to the allotments were approved in 1993, demonstrating the temporary nature of allotment use on the site.
The report stated: “Considering the above, on balance, the loss of the allotment space is considered in these circumstances to be acceptable and the provision of extra burial space beneficial and in alignment with the policies of the development plan.”
Almost 60 objections were submitted to the planning committee, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Objectors argued that demand for allotments in Richmond was high, with long waiting lists, and called for alternative long term solutions to burial provision that would avoid the loss of the Shacklegate Lane site.
Paul Cuff, who has gardened at the allotments for 40 years, said he would be “devastated” if the site closed. He told the BBC that relocating was not a realistic option for him.
“If I’ve got to move up to Hampton Hill, it’s a good 40-minute walk. I’m 79 in January and I’m not getting any younger.
“So basically, I won’t have an allotment.”
Candace Taylor, from the Shacklegate Lane Allotment Association, questioned the council’s approach and the long term implications of the proposal. “This apparently is going to cover 30 years of burial space, but what are they going to do then?” she said.
Responding to concerns, Richmond Council deputy leader Julia Neden-Watts said the authority recognised local opposition but stressed the need to act. “With Teddington Cemetery expected to reach capacity within the next year, we must act now to ensure continued provision of local burial space,” she said.
“The land at Shacklegate Lane has been designated for cemetery use for many years, and the temporary nature of the allotment use here has been clearly communicated and understood.”
She added that the council would support affected allotment holders by offering alternative sites and assistance during the transition. Neden-Watts also said the Teddington Cemetery extension would aim to keep the site green and accessible, with plans to improve biodiversity and provide new volunteering and community gardening opportunities.
Green Party councillor Caroline Wren suggested the council should explore reusing old graves instead. “In this cemetery, they’re not doing it yet. It’s absolutely staggering to me that they promised that so many years ago and they have not taken it up,” she said.
Richmond Council’s planning committee is due to make a decision on the Teddington Cemetery extension on Wednesday.
