Cemetery to offer biodegradable coffins and microchipped graves

THE pressing problem of where to bury Hull's dead will be eased with the belated opening of a new cemetery in Cottingham.

Priory Cemetery, in Priory Road, will cater for about 13,000 interments when it opens in May, 18 months behind schedule.

As well as accommodating traditional burials, the new site will allow "green" burials in biodegradable coffins, and provide space for Muslim burials, where all graves will face Mecca.

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Biodegradable coffins will be buried with a non-biodegradable small plastic tube containing a microchip to allow each grave to be identified. This will record the name and age of the deceased, which can be checked against a grid reference identifying the plot.

The cemetery will also offer "lawn burials" in which a discreet headstone is laid horizontally on the ground, and an area for infant burials has also being built.

Space is at a premium at other cemeteries run by Hull Council.

Northern Cemetery, in Chanterlands Avenue, is full, or fully booked; 25 new plots have been created at Hedon Road; and part of Western Cemetery, in Spring Bank, has been redeveloped to add another 180 plots, although these are now "filling up".

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The site under least pressure is Eastern Cemetery, in Preston Road, where the council said there remains enough capacity for at least 30 years.

Officials at the council said the scheme had been hit by unforeseen delays.

Paul Gordon, head of business support services, said: "We can confirm that the Priory Cemetery will be opening in May this year.

"It is unfortunate that the project has been hit by a number of delays including the landscaping company ceasing trading, a design change and delays to the connection of utilities.

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"Land settlement experts and colleagues recommended that the land is left to settle for at least 12 months before burials take place.

"It was decided to take this advice as there are no specific industry standards in place to guide us due to the varying nature of soil content in the country."

He added: "We want Priory Cemetery to be a place of tranquillity and respect once opened, so we aim to ensure that the works have been fully and correctly completed beforehand.

"Although the delay to opening the cemetery is not ideal, we would prefer to ensure it is a properly completed and the land correctly settled before opening it for burials."

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Not everyone involved is pleased by the development, however.

The land is owned by Hull Council but is within the boundary of the East Riding, and the project saw the two authorities clash in a rare display of public disagreement.

East Riding Council went against the advice of its officers when it refused to back Hull Council's plans.

The city council appealed, and a public inquiry found in its favour.

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Residents living near the site also opposed the scheme, saying it would affect their quality of life and rob them of valuable open space.

Nearly three years on from the controversy, opinion has not softened.

Edward Fullerton, 88, whose home in Hornbeam Drive overlooks the cemetery, said: "They are intent on extending the boundaries of Hull and in my view and the view the people around here, this is what it's all about.

"It used to be fields with just horses roaming about and it was absolutely wonderful.

"In fact, I bought this house because of that land; once I went upstairs and saw the outlook I just couldn't resist buying it."

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