Overview
The Oxford Burial Meadow site is a 17-acre area of land, owned by Oxford City Council, off Oxford Road. The site is large enough to accommodate about 45 years of burials.
The land, which is currently being used for farming, is planned for a new public meadow with burial use featuring new trees, wildflower meadows and paths linking to Shotover Woods.
The Oxford Burial Meadow is needed to provide a sustainable supply of new burial space for the city. The site was chosen after an extensive search of potential sites by the City Council.
Location
Location of Burial Meadow in Google Maps.
Sustainability
The Oxford Burial Meadow is being designed to enhance the biodiversity of the agricultural field. It will strengthen the network of tree cover locally, improve wildlife habitats, and provide better leisure and walking opportunities around Shotover Woods for local residents.
Project timeline
After an extensive search for a suitable new burial site, Oxford City Council is now progressing to deliver a new public green space and tranquil burial meadow on land it owns off Oxford Road.
Key stakeholders have been involved in developing the project for a burial meadow with ecological enhancements, and improved access to existing paths towards Shotover Woods.
A public consultation, which the City Council carried out in July, found that 91% of respondents were in favour of the scheme.
The City Council’s Cabinet approved the proposals and allocated £2.4m to deliver the scheme at a Cabinet meeting on 13 September.
The City Council is aiming to submit a planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council this autumn. If planning permission is granted, detailed design and delivery stages will then begin.
Consultation
The City Council carried out a public consultation on the outline designs of the Oxford Burial Meadow in July, which included an online consultation and a drop-in event at Oxford Town Hall. The consultation found that 91% of respondents were in favour of the scheme.
The public will have a chance to comment on the detailed and delivery as part of the planning application process. The City Council has now submitted a planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council.
Update: November 2024
After an extensive search for a suitable new burial site, Oxford City Council is now progressing to deliver a new public green space and tranquil burial meadow on land it owns off Oxford Road.
Key stakeholders have been involved in developing the project for a burial meadow with ecological enhancements, and improved access to existing paths towards Shotover Woods.
The City Council’s Cabinet approved the proposals and allocated £2.4m to deliver the scheme at a Cabinet meeting on 13 September.
The planning application is being considered by South Oxfordshire District Council, as the land falls within their area. Further reports and design work requested by statutory consultees are currently being worked on. If planning permission is granted, detailed design and delivery stages will then begin.
