Roz is quite correct in pointing out that the Recreation Ground was originally acquired (by Camberwell Council) to provide burial space.

However, that was back in 1901 and since then things have changed. Looking at the old maps you can see that Forest Hill and Honor Oak were far less developed and at the time there were plenty of fields and other open spaces.

People's attitude to cremation has also changed following their introduction in 1885. In 1901 the cremation rate was only 0.07%.

I don't think that the majority of those who are objecting to Southwark's proposals are saying that burial shouldn't be allowed or that relatives shouldn't be allowed a place to grieve. Rather they are questioning whether a graveyard is the best use of the limited supply of urban public open space.