Council grants planning permission for Chingford Crematorium

Waltham Forest Council has granted planning permission for a new crematorium within Chingford Mount Cemetery, marking the first facility of its kind in the district. 

The development is intended to meet local demand, as burial space at the cemetery is expected to run out within eight years. It will also reduce the need for residents to travel outside the borough for cremation services.

Construction is expected to be completed for summer 2026. The crematorium will include an 80-seat chapel, landscaped gardens, and new green spaces designed for quiet reflection.

The council said the site would be “open to all faiths” and feature two electric cremators with advanced filtration technology, designed to minimise environmental impact. Plans also include cycle storage, electric vehicle charging points and over 300 parking spaces, alongside sustainable landscaping such as wildlife meadows and memorial gardens.

A council spokesperson said the project would “simplify arrangements for grieving families” by offering all funeral services at one location. The development will be more than 100 yards from the nearest homes and will operate within environmental and noise regulations.

The cemetery, which dates back to 1884 and has been under council ownership since 1977, has recently secured the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Charter for the Bereaved, recognising industry standards in bereavement services.

Timeline documents show community engagement began in 2024, with design proposals revised following feedback from residents. Contractor work is now underway on site investigations ahead of the main build phase.

Once complete, the crematorium will include ceremony and office space, with future plans to expand options for interment of ashes such as columbaria and mausoleums.