Sheffield City Council outlines plan to expand cemetery space

Sheffield City Council has set out plans to expand cemetery provision after warning the city could run out of burial space within the next decade.

According to a report published early this month, overall capacity may be exhausted in five to seven years, while space for Muslim burials could be used up within three. 

In light of this, councillors considered a new Citywide Cemetery Plan at a strategy and resources committee meeting last week (10 September).

Among the immediate measures proposed are changes at City Road Cemetery, which could provide up to 80 additional graves and extend Muslim burial capacity for up to 12 months. The council has also shortlisted six potential sites for new cemeteries, which are being assessed for environmental suitability.

The long-term plan includes securing 12 to 24 hectares of new land across four to six sites, with provision for both Muslim and natural burials. The strategy also commits to incorporating environmental design principles and updating cemetery infrastructure.

Tom Hunt, council leader and chair of the strategy and resources committee, said: “Sheffield is at a pivotal point in shaping future burial provision, and we are committed to ensuring that all communities have access to services that are dignified and culturally appropriate.

“The new Citywide Cemetery Plan reflects the voices of nearly 3,000 residents who took part in our consultation and sets out a clear, accountable way forward. The actions we are taking will mean that the city has sufficient burial spaces for years to come.”

The proposals follow a petition presented in December 2024 that called for urgent action to address the shortage, particularly of Islamic burial plots.