Proposal for new Chelmsford crematorium and cemetery enters public consultation
People are being invited to have their say on draft proposals for a new crematorium and cemetery to serve the Chelmsford area ahead of a potential planning application.
The proposed bereavement services facility would be located on land east of Stock Road, West Hanningfield (CM2 8LF), providing additional burial space and cremation capacity for future generations. The council is exploring options for a new crematorium and cemetery as existing facilities at the Writtle Road site face increasing pressure. Burial space is forecast to run out by 2028/29, while the crematorium's ageing equipment requires significant ongoing investment to remain operational.
Without additional provision, the council's ability to provide local burial and cremation services for Chelmsford residents would become increasingly constrained over the coming years.
The facilities at the crematorium in Writtle Road, Chelmsford, are starting to age and need replacement and repair.
Before submitting a planning application, the council is seeking feedback from residents living closest to the proposed site, funeral directors, bereavement professionals and other stakeholders. The feedback received will help inform the final proposals and any future planning application.
Any planning application submitted would be subject to the council's formal planning process, providing a further opportunity for public comment. Any future decision to fund or deliver the project would be considered later by the city council.
Meeting Chelmsford's future needs
The new site would provide around 120 years of burial capacity alongside a modern crematorium, memorial facilities, substantial tree planting and landscaped grounds designed to meet the needs of Chelmsford's growing and diverse communities.
The council has been investigating options for future bereavement services for over 10 years and has concluded that a combined cemetery and crematorium on a new site offers the most practical and sustainable long-term solution.
Independent assessments have indicated that a modern facility will be required to meet future demand for burial and cremation services across the Chelmsford area.
A greener approach to bereavement services
A key feature of the proposed development is the inclusion of two electric cremators, helping to reduce carbon emissions and support the city council's commitment to achieving net zero carbon operations.
The new facility would be designed to incorporate modern energy-efficient technologies and be adaptable to future developments in bereavement services, ensuring it remains fit for purpose for decades to come.
The council is also seeking to ensure the development is sensitively integrated into the surrounding landscape and delivers biodiversity and environmental benefits wherever possible.
Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, said:
“"We know that bereavement and loss are among the most difficult experiences people face, and it's vital that residents have access to reliable, high-quality services close to home at a time when they need them most.
Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford
"Our existing crematorium equipment has required extensive repairs in recent years, which is not a sustainable long-term position. Combined with the fact that burial space at Writtle Road is becoming increasingly limited, there is a real risk that our ability to provide these important services could be affected in the future.
"These proposals represent an opportunity to secure modern, resilient and environmentally sustainable facilities for generations to come, while ensuring the Chelmsford community continues to have access to local burial and cremation services when they are needed most."
Have your say
As part of the pre-planning consultation for the proposed new cemetery and crematorium, a public drop-in event will be held on 27 August 2026 from 4pm to 7pm at The Keene Hall, Watchouse Road, Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8PT, where people can learn more about the proposals and share their views.
The consultation is primarily aimed at residents living near the proposed site, alongside funeral directors and other bereavement sector stakeholders. Consultation materials and an online survey will be available from 21 August to 4 September 2026 for anyone wishing to learn more about the proposals and provide feedback.
Following the consultation, the council will review all comments received before deciding whether to submit a planning application. If a planning application is submitted, it will be subject to the council's formal planning process, providing a further opportunity for public comment.
What happens next?
In July 2026, Cabinet approved work to prepare and submit a planning application, together with the procurement work needed to develop a fully costed scheme.
Planning permission would not, however, commit the council to delivering the project. Any future decision to fund construction and proceed with delivery would be considered separately by Cabinet and Full Council following the planning process and development of a final business case.
The project forms part of the council's long-term plans to ensure Chelmsford residents continue to have access to high-quality, local bereavement services well into the future. The existing Writtle Road cemetery will be maintained for years to come even if these proposals go ahead.
