Bishop’s Stortford Town Council has identified 1,068 burial records across more than 900 plots in the town's Old Cemetery that could be reused as the area faces a critical shortage of burial space by 2036. The graves, some containing remains dating back to 1855, include infants and stillborn babies.
The council gained unprecedented powers through the Bishop’s Stortford Cemetery Act 2024 and approval from the Diocese of St Albans to reuse plots. It is reportedly the only authority outside London to be granted such powers by Parliament without requiring special government permission.
Council leader Miriam Swainston assured that the sites will be treated with respect if reuse becomes necessary. Relatives of those interred in affected plots have until 15 October 2026 to lodge an objection, which would prevent reuse for at least 25 years.
Ms Swainston emphasised that reusing graves will enable current and future residents to bury loved ones in the town and easily visit their graves. She noted strict protocols to contact families and seek permission for graves more than 75 years old.
The affected graves have not seen burials since 1949 and are not Commonwealth War Graves. The reuse will be carried out over several decades. The independent Law Commission earlier this year recommended a mandatory 100-year period between last interment and reuse, and suggested wider changes for grave reuse across England and Wales.
