Proposal to create extra burial spaces at King’s Lynn cemetery

Gayton Road Cemetery is nearly full and is currently scheduled to close to new burial applications from April 2026. Burials will still take place for those who have already reserved plots or with the right to a second burial.

Councillors have previously been advised that identification of a high water table means it is approaching the limit of grave spaces that could be used in a compliant manner under the Environment Agency’s Ground Water Regulations.

Following discussions at the Borough Council’s Cabinet and Environment and Community Panel in autumn 2025, an Informal Working Group was established to explore how cemetery provision could continue beyond April, as well as to identify longer‑term solutions.

The working group is now making two recommendations, set to be discussed at the E&C Panel meeting on 24 February and then Cabinet on 23 April:

1. For officers to formally convert grass pathway located in Gayton Road Cemetery into allocated grave spaces which can be utilised for future burials. This additional capacity would allow the Gayton Road Cemetery to remain open for an additional two to three years.

2. Further exploration to identify suitable sites that will provide longer term burial solutions within the King’s Lynn area, this should include, but not limited to, revisiting the allotment area initially planned for an extension to Gayton Road Cemetery, and the Old Nursey site adjacent to Gayton Road Cemetery.

Councillor Paul Kunes, who chaired the working group, said: “Our proposal is an immediate, shorter-term solution to enable further new burials at Gayton Road Cemetery, while creating some breathing space for exploring sustainable, longer-term options for King’s Lynn in the years ahead.

“While to date it has not been possible to identify anywhere in King’s Lynn that would meet all the statutory requirements for a burial site, this solution ensures we’re making the most of the existing site while we continue to see what we can do. I look forward to discussing with the Panel and Cabinet.”

Cllr Simon Ring, Deputy Council Leader, added: “Last year, Cabinet asked the E&C Panel to suggest an alternative solution when we discussed the closure of the cemetery to new burials from April 2026. I would like to recognise the constructive, collaborative work of councillors and officers around this issue and thank the working group for presenting a solution which feels workable in the short-term.”

Notes to editors:

• Although the provision of burial spaces is not a legal obligation for the council, significant effort over a number of years has been put into trying to find a new site in King’s Lynn. Gayton Road Cemetery is nearly full for new burial plots, however there are plots available elsewhere in the borough, in other public or private (church) cemeteries.

• Members of the Cemetery Provision Informal Working Group are Councillors Collop, Heneghan, Kemp, Kunes (Chair) and Ware.