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.