Cemetery Burial Plots crisis in the South East of England

“The United Kingdom is rapidly running out of burial space, more needs to be done in order to keep the prices down and provide readily available space to bury the deceased. We have found that the UK cemetery prices have only gone in one direction over the history of time, a burial plot shortage will not help the situation” said Tom Roberts of FJP Investment.

Southend Council is currently in talks to buy 23 acres of fields north of Bournes Green Chase, Southend, for a new cemetery, as Sutton Road Cemetery will be full within a decade.

Southend Council has been seeking an appropriate location for a new cemetery for nearly five years and cash was set aside in its budget for the project a council spokesman said:

“The council is mindful of the fact cemetery space at the Sutton Road site will be fully used within the next decade. Given this, the council is actively seeking to acquire an additional site to use as a cemetery and is exploring options with local land owners to find an acceptable location. It is expected details of the proposal will be made available to the public shortly.”

“Other areas in the South East like Gravesend in Kent are also facing the same fate as seen in our towns and cities up and down the country” added Mr Roberts of FJP Investment.

Mercia’s Head of Planning Andy Marshall said: “With a shortage of burial space, no woodland burial facilities and the nearest crematorium over 10 miles away, Mercia and the Co-op consider that now is the time for Gravesham’s 101,720 residents – and both increasing and ageing – to have their own Memorial Park to meet the social needs of the borough.

“Having secured a suitable site capable of meeting these needs for the next 25 years and beyond, our initial plans have obtained a favourable response from local funeral directors, funeral officiants and other interested representatives within the borough.”

FJP Investment has recently seen the successful launch of a brand new cemetery called Farnham Park Cemetery located in Surrey.

Marketing Manager Tom Roberts said “We have found a unique situation whereby private finance is now being used to fund and develop new cemeteries. Our cemetery investment offers fantastic returns in a unique market, which finds itself in serious need for more investment just to keep up with demand.

The cemetery is currently in the final stages prior to opening in March 2014 to begin serving the needs of the public. Our investors are equally excited to know they are providing a solution to a serious problem whilst securing a secure investment.”

Farnham Park Cemetery, Farnham in Surrey due to open March 2014 – FJP Investment