ECA were appointed by KPWG International in 2011 to prepare and submit planning applications for new Green Burial Sites in Borehamwood and Bromley. Both sites are located within the London Green Belt and one is within a Landscape Conservation Area with a local wildlife designation. ECA have managed a team of specialist consultants, including CDS, (these hydrologists completed an assessment which confirms the potential for 90 burials per year) and Darwin Ecology. A Burial Needs Assessment was completed which demonstrates a need for more burial space in these areas and a master plan developed which responds to the unique settings of the sites. Chapels and ancillary buildings are carefully sited and landscaped to ensure that they do not harm the settings and the openness of the Green Belt.
The NPPF (2012) supports the provision of cemeteries within the Green Belt, as they are an appropriate Green Belt use, yet these proposals remain challenging for the local planning authorities. The chapel is particularly contentious. Negotiation on a pre-application basis has been key, and both Local Planning Authorities have given positive comments and invited an Outline Planning Application, which is due to be submitted in October 2012.
