Issue - meetings

The Council had before it the recommendations of the Executive proposing the adoption of the Brookwood Cemetery Masterplan and the Brookwood Cemetery Experience Plan.  The Executive had been supportive of the Brookwood Cemetery Masterplan and had welcomed the tremendous work undertaken to transform the Cemetery since the Council purchased the important heritage asset in 2014.

Before introducing the proposals in detail, the Portfolio Holder, Councillor Cundy, announced that the Costain Skanska Joint Venture was working on behalf of High Speed Rail Link 2 (HS2) to prepare a new burial site at Brookwood Cemetery for those individuals exhumed from St James’ Gardens as part of the enabling works for HS2.

REsolved

That  (i)    the Brookwood Cemetery Masterplan, as set out at Appendix 1 to the Executive report, be formally adopted; and

          (ii)   the Brookwood Cemetery Experience Plan, as set out at Appendix 2 to the Executive report, be formally adopted.

Reporting Person – Douglas Spinks

Councillor Cundy, Councillor Director of Brookwood Cemetery Limited, introduced the report which recommended to Council the adoption of the Brookwood Cemetery Masterplan and the Brookwood Cemetery Experience Plan.  It was noted that a Member site visit had been organised in June 2019 and a Member Briefing had been held on 26 February 2020, at which the Masterplan was well received.  Councillor Cundy advised that the overall vision set out Brookwood Cemetery to be an example of a sustainable working cemetery with heritage status.  It was noted that the Cemetery was a Grade 1 Listed park.  The five Masterplan steps were explained to the Executive.

Following a question regarding flooding issues at Brookwood Train Station, the Executive heard that flooding of the tunnel was the responsibility of Network Rail and that it was the subject of ongoing discussions with Network Rail.  Regarding cycle access, the Executive was informed that Brookwood Station had a very large cycle store.  In addition, page 22 of the Masterplan referenced local cycle routes, and page 39 of the Masterplan referred to the possible creation of cycle routes at the Cemetery as well as the potential to trial cycle hire.

Discussion ensued on crematorium facilities in the Borough.  It was commented that, at the present stage, the crematorium at St Johns had not shown any inclination to be part of discussions for the future, however it would be a matter under long-term considerations.

The Executive was supportive of the Brookwood Cemetery Masterplan and welcomed the tremendous work undertaken to transform the Cemetery since the Council purchased the important heritage asset in 2014.

REcommended to Council

That  (i)    the Brookwood Cemetery Masterplan, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be formally adopted; and

          (ii)   the Brookwood Cemetery Experience Plan, as set out at Appendix 2 to the report, be formally adopted.

Reason:   The Masterplan and the Experience Plan have been the subject of extensive research and consultation and are supported by major stakeholders.

Reporting Person – Douglas Spinks