Waltham Forest Council has robustly defended its new crematorium in Chingford after a leading expert and local critics deemed the £11 million facility inappropriate and unnecessary. The council insists the facility is vital to meet future demand, as it predicts running out of burial space by 2033.
Expert Challenges Crematorium's Credentials
Dr Brian Parsons, a crematorium expert, has questioned the high cost of the facility at Chingford Mount Cemetery and called its placement within a cemetery "unorthodox in the modern day." He argues that existing crematoria in North and East London, such as those in Enfield, City of London, Manor Park, and Forest Park, are operating below capacity.
According to a report by Dr Parsons, these facilities handled around 7,000 cremations in 2024 despite having capacity for approximately 16,000, based on data from the Cremation Society of Great Britain. He also questioned the financial viability, suggesting it could take "many years" for the council to recoup its investment, especially with plans to avoid weekend services and offer discounts for morning services and under-18s.
Council Cites Urgent Need
Currently, more than 85,000 Waltham Forest residents live more than a half-hour's drive from a dedicated crematorium, equating to around 1,625 cremations annually, according to council figures. A council spokesperson emphasized that residents "should be able to pay final respects to their loved ones here in their home borough."
The spokesperson added that the business case was "carefully prepared," containing "a detailed analysis of demand, accessibility, and future demographic growth alongside robust financial modelling." The location was "evidence-led and carefully considered," informed by both an independent need assessment and an alternative site assessment.
Location and Parking Concerns
Dr Parsons joined residents in questioning the suitability of the cemetery location, noting that post-war crematoria were typically built in areas without existing graves. He called the gardens of remembrance "totally inadequate and inappropriate," as they appear limited to the area surrounding the pond on the south side of the drive and are surrounded by graves.
In response to parking stress concerns, the council spokesperson said extensive modelling and planning, underpinned by real-world data, ensures "minimal impact on local traffic." The average number of vehicles per service is around 21, and while Old Church Road sees approximately 10,000 vehicle movements daily, the crematorium will add only 168 on average. Ample parking already exists at the cemetery for mourners.
Facility Set to Open Later This Year
The crematorium, which received planning permission in April last year and was approved by the cabinet in 2023, is scheduled to become operational later this year. The council remains confident it will serve the borough's needs for decades to come, despite the expert's reservations.
