Dorking Cemetery Expansion to Add Hundreds of Plots

Dorking Cemetery is poised to receive hundreds of additional burial spaces, which are planned for creation in areas currently occupied by paths. The scrutiny committee of Mole Valley District Council has put forward a recommendation to approve the development of an extra 152 plots. As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, forty-five of these plots will be offered for pre-purchase. Documents from the council state: “Currently Dorking cemetery does not benefit from the ability to reuse and reclaim graves. Indeed it would require an application for an Act of Parliament for it to do so.” The practice of reusing graves could potentially yield space for an additional 337 double plots, which, at present rates, would satisfy demand for another 17 years. However, to address immediate needs, the committee proposes the removal of paths to create more space within the cemetery’s current configuration. Stephen Cooksey, the council’s leader, commented: “Various longer term solutions have been considered but in February 2024 the council approved a modest expansion achieved by removing several paths and adding 71 additional plots of which 16 were available for pre purchase.“These works have been completed, there’s been no adverse reaction from the public and the pre-purchase arrangements have proved popular.” The committee was informed that adequate public access to grave sites would be maintained despite the reduction in the path network.