East Riding Bereavement Services

Frequently asked questions

See below for some commonly asked questions and answers about the Bereavement Services Project. If you have a query about the project that isn’t covered, please contact us with the details and we will try to cover it in future updates of this page.

FAQs:
Why are we developing a crematorium in the Holderness area?

We have identified a need for a new crematorium in the area because of the time it takes for people to travel to existing sites from Holderness and the impact this has on the bereaved when suffering from their loss and subsequently wishing to visit a crematorium where ashes have been laid.

A new crematorium, should the council go ahead with the proposal and subject to consultation and planning approvals, would also help the wider funeral and bereavement sector be more sustainable for the future.

The proposed new facility will be the Council’s first owned and operated crematorium, which will also support the local economy through the creation of new jobs and supporting local businesses.

How many people are buried and how many are cremated?

In England, the vast majority of people opt for cremation over burial. The latest figures from the Federation of Burial & Cremation Authorities show the cremation rate was 80% in England in 2018 (77% for the UK as a whole).

Why this location for a new crematorium?

A study considered a number of alternative sites. The assessment considered factors such as land classification, flood risk, accessibility and emissions. It concluded that the most suitable location for the proposed facility is Lelley Road, north of Preston, Holderness. The proposed site has good access to main road networks and also meets the optimum funeral travel distance/time for a significant population in the Holderness area. The land is owned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The whole site is 14 hectares and the proposed facility would only require 4.1 hectares of the total site.

What will the crematorium look like?

The vision is to create a public facility that is designed with a sense of place at its heart. Residents need to identify with the environment they, their family and friends have lived and worked in. We developed designs influenced by the rural location, topography and agricultural setting. It was important that local communities and residents had the opportunity to comment on the design through consultation. Along with the building design, we also want the crematorium to be surrounded by attractive landscaped gardens of remembrance and a woodland walk. Enhanced planting will contribute positively to the visual appearance of the site and also provide an enhancement to the ecological value.

What are the key parts of the main building?

We are considering the inclusion of two service halls, one for small services and one for larger services; a waiting room with a view, a covered waiting and spill out space, circulation around the site eliminating cross over in services, car parks and access roads, gardens of remembrance, woodland walk, flower laying area and book of remembrance room. It will use state-of-the-art cremators, which are energy efficient, clean and have capability to serve large coffins.

We also plan to provide a hi tech offer including online bookings, the webcasting of services, an audio / visual system to play anything the bereaved want to play and provide video capability.

How much is it costing?

The outline project cost is estimated at £8.5m. Further information will be provided as the project develops.

How often will the crematorium be used?

At this stage it is difficult to answer this question. We believe that providing a respectful and relaxed service is essential and we don’t want families to feel rushed so this will be a key consideration in the timing of services. A viable number over a year for most crematoriums is thought to be circa 600 services.

What parking facilities will be available?

Currently the proposal provides car parking for over 100 cars including a number of accessible spaces and potential overspill areas.

Will the site have security?

A natural hedge and tree boundary is being considered, in keeping with the rural location of the site, together with the ability to close the entrance out of hours. We would anticipate the use of CCTV cameras but it should not need on-site security.

What will the hours of operation be?

At this stage it is difficult to answer this question. We believe that providing a respectful and relaxed service is essential and we don’t want families to feel rushed so this will be a key consideration in the timing of services.

How much will it cost to use the facility?

Charges for use of the facilities have not yet been agreed.

Can any faith use the crematorium?

Yes – any faith can use the crematorium. Services can be religious or secular and it is possible to have a cremation only without a service.

Will there be a burial ground?

No, this site will not be used for burials, it will only be used for the scattering and interning of ashes.

When will it be built, how long will it take?

The works are proposed to take place between August 2021 and July 2022. All being well with the development, it is anticipated that the new facility will be open to the public in Autumn 2022.

Has potential flooding been considered?

Yes, a full flood risk assessment will be submitted as part of the planning application and be assessed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council as the relevant Planning Authority.

An extensive site investigation is being undertaken and this will inform the surface and ground water strategy for the development.

What is the environmental and visual impact?

The proposed location of the crematorium building will be well away from the road and it will be set with landscaped grounds. Any views of the building from the road will be filtered by the proposed landscaping. The building will be sympathetic to its surroundings in terms of both design and setting. Enhanced planting will contribute positively to the visual appearance of the site and also provide an enhancement to the ecological value.

It is proposed that an avenue of trees and hedgerows will screen the building from Lelley Road and Sproatley Road, creating a strong boundary and threshold on the edge of the site. A formal gateway along Sproatley Road will mark the entrance to the centre. On entering the site, tree planting and landscaping will create a strong sense of enclosure and a sense of tranquillity.

What sustainable features will be included in the build and operation?

The building will be built to modern building regulations ensuring energy efficiency. The cremators are to be operated efficiently throughout the day under national guidance.

What’s the impact on wildlife?

Full ecology surveys have been undertaken and the appropriate time allocation, surveys and mitigation reports as a response have been incorporated into the programme. This will form part of the full planning application.

What pollution will come out of the crematorium? Will there be smoke or smells?

Modern cremators are governed by environmental protection legislation and now have to have sophisticated abatement systems. They also have to comply with the latest environmental legislation and EU requirements. In addition, every crematorium has to apply to the local enforcer (Environmental Health Office) for an annual operating permit.

Will the facility create a lot of noise?

This will be taken into account in the design and location on site of the building but in fact the noise level will be very low.

What will be the impact on traffic on local roads near the site?

Funeral services at the crematorium will be managed and structured in such a manner that they avoid rush-hour traffic. Sufficient car parking will be provided to accommodate funeral corteges as well as visitors to the crematorium grounds. A transport assessment has been carried out and will be reviewed by Planning. A travel plan is also being developed and will be adopted by facilities management.

Have your say

A range of surveys and consultation events have been held to give people the opportunity to feedback on the concept design and there is still chance to give us your comments by emailing us at bereavementservices@eastriding.gov.uk