'Harmonisation' plans for North Northamptonshire cemetery regulations set to be approved
Proposals to harmonise regulations at 13 cemeteries across the north of the county are set to be approved.
At next week’s meeting of North Northants Council’s (NNC) executive, councillors will receive an update on the harmonisation of cemetery regulations following a public consultation.
There are currently different regulations across the cemeteries for the management of sites, depending on postcode.
Earlier in 2025, the council consulted on plans to harmonise the management and regulations at the 13 council-managed sites, including standard opening hours and a full range of burial options at sites (where possible).
So far, the council has introduced a consistent level of fees and a single grave reservation policy for all its cemeteries.
The executive will now be asked to:
- Approve the proposed cemetery regulations and their application to all 13 cemeteries owned and managed by North Northants Council
- Approve the digging of only single depth new graves in areas where the soil conditions make the digging and re-opening of double depth graves unsuitable
- Agree to the alignment of the opening hours in Wellingborough cemeteries to match the hours across the rest of the North Northants cemeteries
Cllr Kirk Harrison, the council’s executive member for regulatory services, said: "When we consulted on the plans earlier in the year, responses were generally in favour of the proposals with support for consistent regulations and simplified opening hours across the area.
"It is hoped that, if approved, the new regulations will provide clear and consistent guidance on the management and maintenance of cemeteries across the local area - regardless of where they are located.”
NNC leader Cllr Martin Griffiths said: “As a council, we are here for residents at all stages - offering support at difficult at difficult time and when they have lost a loved one.
"I hope this policy provides clarity on what can be a very emotional subject and time for residents.”
If the report is approved, the new, harmonised regulations will be implemented before December 2025.
North Northants Council’s executive will meet at the Corby Cube on Tuesday, November 11 at 10am.
The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube and the papers are now available online.