Burial plan for pitch and putt course given go-ahead

A council's plan to use a pitch and putt area at a golf course for burial spaces has been given the final go-ahead.

Bracknell Forest Council's cabinet again approved using the area at Downshire Golf Complex to expand Easthampstead Park Crematorium and Cemetery for more than 1,000 burial spaces on Tuesday.

Council leader Mary Temperton said that using the land was "not an easy decision" but it was found to be the only viable site available.

Hundreds of people opposed the scheme, arguing that the loss of the playing space would hinder sporting opportunities.

The council's cabinet agreed to use the land last year but it was subject to a three-month holding period pending a potential legal challenge.

Iskandar Jefferies, the council's cabinet member for leisure, culture, public protection and democracy, said by current projections the authority would run out of burial space by next year.

The two-hectare (4.9-acre) plot could provide up to 1,138 full plots, 150 Muslim burial plots and 1,168 cremated remains plots and is expected to provide enough space for the borough for about 25 years.

The council will need to carry out an archaeological dig at the site, but that will take place over the winter so players can still use the course over the coming months.

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