The cemeteries within Brentwood were without doubt some of the most highly regarded and emotionally motivated assets operated by the Council.  To ensure they were not only safe but also well maintained, it was important that there was a focused forward thinking plan in place to direct resources and highlight areas for improvements within them. 

The provision of management plans with structured programmes for improvements for the cemetery would help Officers to focus and direct resources where they were needed.  This would manage resident expectations with regard to future provisions and improvements as well as ensure that value for money was obtained with the works undertaken. 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Hossack and SECONDED by Cllr Poppy to approve the recommendations in the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED that:

1.    Members approved the management plans for Woodman Road Cemetery and London Road Cemetery.

2.    Members approved the works programmes for Woodman Road Cemetery and London Road Cemetery (progression of works was reliant on successful capital funding bids or availability of funding from S106/CIL contributions). 

(Cllr Mrs Davies and Cllr Russell declared a non pecuniary interest that they leased a plot at one of these cemeteries). 

Reasons for recommendation

So that a robust and forward planning strategy could be put in to place for the management of the parks and open spaces, ensuring they were fit for purpose and safe for users.

To make sure that management plans were in place to allow robust and realistic budget setting to take place to ensure resources were allocated when and where they were needed.

To allow for opportunities to be identified and generate additional income, or to rationalise the use of the Councils cemeteries and the manner in which they were used to ensure maximum income whilst utilising the available resources.  

The committee took the opportunity to thank Mr Anderson for all his work and efforts made.