Plan for 'ecological bereavement centre' in Mepal to go before councillors
Construction work could begin as early as this summer
A plan to build what's being described as an 'ecological bereavement centre' in Mepal is set to go before councillors in East Cambridgeshire.
The plan for the council-owned land includes a crematorium, natural burial area, and a pet cemetery.
The site has also been designed to protect and enhance the significant biodiversity and ecology that exists alongside the lake.
The use of solar panels will mean it’s one of the first electric cremators in the country to be powered by renewable energy. These release around 90% less carbon than a conventional gas cremator, supporting the council to meet its target to become carbon neutral by 2035.
The proposals will come before members of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Finance and Assets Committee on 25th January.
The council is seeking approval to allocate a £9 million contribution of community infrastructure levy (CIL) money to build the centre.
If approved it will provide the district’s first multi-faith bereavement centre, dedicated to supporting the family and friends of the 90,000 people living in East Cambridgeshire.
In addition to a 125-seat chapel with views overlooking the lake, and a smaller chapel for intimate gatherings, there will also be an area for woodland burials, memorial tree planting, a remembrance wall, lakeside walk and a pet cemetery.
State of the art digital media will give families the option to use video and livestream services via the internet to mourners unable to be present on the day.
Council Leader, Cllr Anna Bailey, said: “Losing a loved one and coming face to face with grief is often the hardest thing any of us ever encounter."
"Death is very much a part of life and something we all need to come to terms with. But the people of East Cambridgeshire must often travel long distances, outside the area we love and are familiar with, to say our final goodbyes.
"This new bereavement centre will provide us with a beautiful, tranquil and peaceful setting where we not only go to say farewell to loved ones, but can return to again and again to keep them alive in our hearts. This is a unique offering, and, in my mind, there is nothing more precious we can give.”
If approved it is expected work will start on the bereavement centre as early as the summer, helping to transform what is a derelict brownfield site, prone to anti-social behaviour, into a community facility.
In addition to creating 7 jobs, the site will also act as a nature reserve, with dedicated areas where people can walk their dogs on a lead and enjoy bird watching. The council is also exploring working with a club to resume fishing at the site.