Burials on private land
If you hold the freehold to a property you have the right to carry out a burial on that land.
It is generally considered that formal planning permission is not required for a single grave in these circumstances. However, policies and the law can change over time. Therefore it's best to contact the local planning office to confirm the position before going ahead with a burial.
After any burial takes place, its details must be recorded on the deeds to the property. The details must include:
- the full name of the person who's been buried
- the date of the burial
- the exact location of the grave
Environmental health
The Environmental Health Department does not need to be involved. However, if complications arise from the burial at a later date, neighbours or future owners can consult them. This could result in the remains being exhumed and re-buried elsewhere, or cremated.
Therefore it's advisable to have a professional survey of the proposed burial site. This will reveal any potential for interference with watercourses, natural or otherwise. This is the most likely area where problems could arise. It's also worth getting advice from the Environmental Agency Thames Region (North East Area) and the local water company.
It is recommended to advise the local Environmental Health Department of any burial, so that an accurate record can be kept should the land be developed in the future.
Local Burial Authority
The local Cemetery Section has no jurisdiction over burials of this nature. They would not be involved in any part of the arrangements. However, most cemetery offices should be in a position to offer guidance on how to proceed.