Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Net Zero Exeter & City Management.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the proposed £367,300 Columbarium design, to support the increased demand for cremation services.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought approval to develop a Columbarium, following a review on the provision of funeral services, which had had identified a reduction in the capacity for full body burials at the three Council run sites at Higher, Exwick and Topsham cemeteries. The review highlighted that the current demand would mean that the Council would be unable to carry out full body burials beyond 2025 and addressed the re-design of how the Council undertook the burial of ashes, using the remaining cemetery land in an efficient and respectful way.

The Director Net Zero Exeter and City Management explained that the report set out a business case which demonstrated the viability of constructing a Columbarium in Higher Cemetery which was considered an ideal location and would provide a pleasant land tranquil location for people to visit the interred ashes of their loved ones.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the proposed £367,300 Columbarium design, to support the increased demand for cremation services.