85) The council may prepare additional guidance on when developer contributions will be sought, and the mechanisms for securing these, including through the use of section 106 agreements.

Development proposals for cemeteries and crematoria will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposal:

Due to the constrained land supply within the borough, preference will be given to the expansion of existing facilities rather than the provision of new facilities. Where new facilities are proposed, information must be submitted to clearly demonstrate the need for the new site.

will have no adverse impact on surface or groundwater;

will have no adverse impact on the ecological value of the area;

will not give rise to unacceptable adverse impacts on neighbouring and nearby uses; and

will respect the visual appearance and character of the area.

The NPPF seeks to deliver strong, vibrant and healthy communities with accessible services, open spaces that reflect current and future needs, supporting health, social and cultural well-being. Burial space is a form of social infrastructure, and cemeteries are considered to be a form of Open Space.

Stockport Council provides cemetery facilities to people of all faiths and beliefs, with five cemetery sites located across the borough, and a crematorium located at Stockport Borough Cemetery on Buxton Road in Heaviley. Historically, burial was preferred but more recently the trend has been moving to cremation, with 90% of people in Stockport opting for this.

Mill Lane Cemetery in Cheadle currently provides new burial space but will be taken up by approximately 2030, based on current burial rates. Burials must be managed in a way that limits groundwater pollution, and environmental guidance is provided by the government on this matter. Work is currently being done to investigate options for expanding existing sites and making better use of remaining land to provide a longer-term supply of burial plots.