Issue details
Ceasing use of the crematorium buildings at Efford and Weston Mill cemeteries for funeral services
The decision is for Plymouth City Council to
close the crematorium buildings permanently for the purposes of
Bereavement Services at Efford and Weston Mill cemeteries.
It is not cost effective to keep the crematorium buildings at
Efford and Weston Mill cemeteries maintained, heated, and with
sufficient staffing to be able to open them. This is combined with
demand dropping to zero within a few weeks of The Park opening, and
the recognised inability of these buildings to offer modern
facilities which are inclusive for all.
This decision does not impact on Efford and Weston Mill cemeteries,
and they will remain open for burial (whilst space remains) and
memorialisations, including the Book of Remembrance Room. Access to
the niche room/columbaria will remain by appointment
only.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Significant impact on communities living or working in two or more wards;
Decision status: For Determination
Wards affected: Efford and Lipson;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 29/01/2025
Open/Exempt: Open;
Decision due: 30 April 2025 by Leader of the Council
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Events, Cemeteries & Crematoria
Lead director: Director of Public Health
Department: Public Health
Contact: Steve Maddern, Director of Public Health Email: Steve.Maddern@plymouth.gov.uk.
Consultation process
The Performance, Finance and Customer Focus Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard an update from the service detailing these plans on 01 December 2021 and had heard updates on the future of Bereavement Services at other meetings (including as the renamed Housing and Community Services Scrutiny Panel).
Since the Park opened, demand at Efford and Weston Mill has significantly declined. As a result, the service has temporarily stopped offering the use of the crematorium buildings at both sites, due to this lack of demand. This change is not unexpected. During pre-design consultation in August and September 2018 members of the public and stakeholders were asked about the potential future use of Efford and Weston Mill. The responses were clear: the majority of respondents were unlikely to use either site for funeral services or burial in the future.
Options of any further alternative models or uses will be considered in a public consultation.
Making Representations: Please contact Steve.maddern@plymouth.gov.uk if you would like to make representations. Any non-confidential document(s) may be obtained from the officer contact by email or from Plymouth City Council, Council House, Plymouth, PL1 2AA before 28 April 2025.
Information to be considered by the decision makers: Committee Report, Business Case, Equalities Impact Assessment, Climate Impact Assessment and any other documents relevant to the decision.
Is this decision due to be taken in private? (Yes/No): No