Richmond Council to Convert Allotments to Graveyard

Richmond Council intends to convert the Shacklegate Lane allotments in Teddington into an extension of Teddington Cemetery. The plan, agreed upon in December, aims to provide over 700 new burial spaces, which are expected to meet demand for approximately 30 years. The conversion is scheduled to proceed on October 1.

Residents' Opposition and Alternative Proposals

Neighbours have launched a petition signed by 1,758 residents, urging the council to pause the closure. They argue that extending the cemetery onto the 120-year-old allotments is a short-term solution to a longer-term problem. Campaigners have proposed that the council take only half of the allotment site. This would allow time to implement a grave reclamation scheme, a strategy the council agreed to introduce in 2018 when burial space was previously needed. Allotment holder Paul Cuff, 79, suggested that such a scheme, if enacted earlier, could have provided sufficient plots without impacting the allotments.

Residents feel their concerns about the loss of a community resource, impact on wildlife, and taxpayer cost have been ignored. Jane Cowling, a resident who spoke at a council committee meeting, stated that the allotments are a vital part of the community, emphasizing the growing importance of sustainability, green spaces, and wellbeing. Candace Taylor, another resident, suggested that a partial conversion would demonstrate the council's responsiveness to public opinion and its ability to adapt to changing societal views.

Council's Response and Future Plans

A spokesperson for Richmond Council acknowledged the strong feelings surrounding Shacklegate Lane allotments and the upset caused. They stated that the land was originally designated for cemetery use in the 19th century. The council also highlighted that it provides significantly more allotment space than the London average, with 12.3 plots per 1,000 residents compared to the average of 5 per 1,000. As part of the cemetery extension works, the council plans to reintroduce community growing space using removable planter boxes, alongside improvements to biodiversity and the development of accessible community gardening projects.

While the council has offered alternative plots to allotment holders, some residents have cited accessibility or travel issues with the proposed swaps. The council stated that officers are investigating reusing existing burial plots to maximise space, but noted this would only be a long-term solution.