Sorry, not true. The recommended period to allow for decomposition is 75 years IIRC. With the particular clay present at Camberwell Cemeteries, it is thought to be somewhat longer. One of a number of reasons which makes it not particularly suited for burial including poor drainage. However, the reason why the existing space is not being re-used more efficiently is due to poor historic management. Regardless of this, boroughs are not obliged to bury within their area - there are other options including burying out of borough and this has been a standard practice in London since at least Victorian times.

It is also not true that

, the particular area in question was a munitions factory, then a fireworks factory, then a nursery and then promised for community use. So I don't think it has had that intention for at least a century - probably never until now.

It is valuable local green space, adjacent to a busy road, that is most likely of great benefit to a pollution monitored area. It also adjoins the Forest Hill to New Cross railway embankment which is recognised as of borough wide significance for its ecological value. There are newts and hedgehogs present.

It might not be my choice but I recognise that a minority will always want burial for their loved ones. This is ok but it has to done sustainably - and that, surely, the boroughs are responsible for.

This post was last modified: 20-12-2016 11:23 AM by lacb.