THE crisis over a lack of burial space in Caterham has intensified – after a controversial cemetery expansion for Warlingham was thrown out.
Thunderous applause erupted at Tandridge District Council's planning meeting last Thursday, after members rejected plans for a proposed 22-acre extension of Greenlawn Memorial Park.
It would have provided 7,000 burial plots over the next 58 years, the meeting heard.
But there were 240-plus objections from local residents to Croydon Council's plan, notably over the feared threat to the green belt.
Warlingham councillor Glynis Whittle told the meeting: "Shame on Croydon Council for allowing its planning department to think they can come into our district and destroy our valuable green belt.
"It's totally unacceptable."
But although those in the packed public gallery were pleased with the outcome of the meeting, Warlingham's gain could be Caterham's loss.
Caterham's own cemetery – off Church Hill – has been full since 2008.
And hopes locally last year that land alongside Caterham Dene Hospital could be freed up for cemetery space have been dashed.
Town councillor Eithne Webster said: "The NHS is not willing to relinquish the land next to the hospital.
"The situation in Caterham is dire and a real concern to residents. It would be good if we could find some land here for residents who want their family to be buried close by."
Among the objectors to the cemetery were those at the nearby Chelsham Place livery stables.
Horse rider Barbara Bates said she was pleased with the outcome, adding: "Most people were horrified that one of the first rural aspects in Warlingham could be put so at risk.
"Many residents moved to Warlingham and Caterham to be in the open countryside, only to discover the plan was to bury the Croydon dead there."
Justin Smith, of Cemetery Development Services, planning agents for Croydon Council, said more than 120 potential sites for cemetery space had been investigated in and around Croydon – with the Greenlawn option having the least environmental, social and financial impact.
A Croydon Council spokesman said they were "disappointed" with the decision and "will give careful consideration as to what our next steps might be."
