The Bandon Hill Cemetery Joint Committee meeting scheduled for 6 July 2026 was set to discuss the cemetery's financial performance, ongoing maintenance, and a proposal for a telecommunications mast. The committee was also due to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming year.

Report of the Treasurer

The committee was scheduled to review the cemetery's financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated a trading surplus of £16,103, which was £10,803 more than budgeted. This positive variance was attributed to higher interest receivable, although maintenance costs were also higher than budgeted due to agreed boundary fencing work. The report also presented the cemetery's financial statements, including the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account, Balance Sheet, and Movement in Reserves Statement for 2025/26. A risk register was also provided for consideration, outlining potential risks and mitigation strategies.

Report of the Surveyor

This report was scheduled to provide an update on external property improvements at Bandon Hill Cemetery, specifically concerning The Lodge and the boundary fences along Rookwood Avenue and Queenswood Avenue. The report noted that the agreed work to The Lodge, including the removal of ivy and repair and repainting, was completed on 29 April 2026. The replacement of the boundary fences was completed on 19 December 2025. These works were undertaken to ensure the site remained well-maintained, safe, and welcoming, and to prevent further deterioration of the property.

Proposal for a Telecommunications Mast

A significant item on the agenda was a proposal for the grant of a Code Agreement, in the form of a lease, to Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited (CTIL) for the installation of a 17-metre monopole telecommunications mast within the cemetery. The report explained that under the Electronic Communications Code, telecommunications operators have statutory rights to install masts, even if landowners do not agree, subject to statutory consents. The proposed location is on open land near Plough Lane, not currently used for burials. The report highlighted that while the local planning authority had previously refused prior approval for the mast, CTIL was successful at appeal. The agreement was expected to generate revenue for the cemetery and improve digital services for residents and businesses. The report also noted that CTIL had served a statutory notice on both Sutton and Croydon Councils, requiring them to grant rights for the mast, or CTIL would proceed with an application to the First Tier Tribunal. The proposed terms of the Code Agreement were detailed in an exempt appendix.