Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 11.1 The Executive Director Neighbourhood Services submitted a report updating the Committee on progress towards securing new burial provision in Sheffield. It outlines the assessment and shortlisting of potential sites, completion of initial feasibility work, details about land being considered, and ongoing engagement with tenants and stakeholders.   The report sets out the next steps required to advance these sites, including further technical assessments and consultation.     11.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) notes the progress made since September 2025 in assessing and shortlisting sites for future burial provision;   (b) agrees the continuation of work to progress the identified sites, in line with the Citywide Cemetery Plan and subject to further feasibility, legal, and planning requirements;   (c) endorses the next steps as set out in this report, including further groundwater assessments, ongoing engagement with tenants, and development of concept designs and consultation strategy; and   (d) requests a further update report in early summer 2026, aligned with Local Plan outcomes and Tier 2 survey timelines, and agree that any significant developments on sites in the northwest (S5/S9) will be reported separately.     11.3 Reasons for Decision     11.3.1 The Committee is asked to note the progress made since September 2025 in assessing and shortlisting sites for future burial provision, and to agree the continuation of work to progress these identified sites, in line with the Citywide Cemetery Plan and subject to further feasibility, legal, and planning requirements.     11.3.2 Endorsing the next steps, including further groundwater assessments, ongoing engagement with tenants, and the development of concept designs and a consultation strategy, will ensure that the programme remains on track and responsive to both operational and community needs.     11.3.3 The recommendation to request a further update report in summer 2026, aligned with Local Plan outcomes and Tier 2 survey timelines, provides a clear framework for ongoing governance and transparency.     11.3.4 These decisions will enable the Council to maintain strategic oversight, ensure that significant developments (particularly in the northwest of the city) are communicated appropriately, and uphold the Council’s commitment to delivering inclusive, sustainable, and well-planned burial provision for Sheffield’s communities.     11.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     11.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do Nothing   Description of option: Take no further action to secure new burial provision, allowing existing capacity in Sheffield’s cemeteries to become exhausted.   Explanation of why rejected, including consideration of risk: This option has been discounted as it would result in the city running out of burial space within the next few years. Such an outcome would: ·       Go against the clearly expressed wishes of the community, as evidenced by public consultation and stakeholder engagement. ·       Lead to inequitable service provision, with some communities disproportionately affected by the lack of local burial options. ·       Severely impact the wellbeing of bereaved families and local residents, removing the ability to access dignified, culturally appropriate burial services close to home. ·       Place additional pressure on neighbouring authorities and funeral services, and risk reputational damage to the Council.     11.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Progress possible sites ahead of Local Plan Inspectors Report.   Description of option: Seek to accelerate the progression of possible sites for new burial provision, for example by advancing Local Plan sites ahead of the inspectors’ findings or expediting feasibility work.   Explanation of why rejected, including consideration of risk: This option has been discounted as the current approach already represents the quickest and most responsible pace possible, given the need to respect the Local Plan process, planning regulations, and fair public consultation. Attempting to progress sites ahead of the inspectors’ outcome could undermine due process, risk legal challenge, and fail to take account of the wider planning context for the area. The recommended approach ensures that decisions are made transparently, fairly, and with full regard to statutory and community requirements.