- Introduction
- Council supports the principle of allowing memorials in parks and open spaces but only when permission is sought and the location is approved, and any licence or installation fee is paid. It is also mindful that these facilities have many uses and are enjoyed by a wide range of people. So each application will be looked at to ascertain if it is an appropriate location and will not cause upset or distress to others using the facilities.
- This policy will be regularly reviewed and proposed amendments shall be submitted to Members for approval. Fees and charges are detailed separately and will be reviewed on an annual basis.
- This policy will be made available to the general public on request.
- Objectives of the policy
- The Council is seeking to ensure it is adopting a clear, measured and sympathetic approach to the management of its facilities which will take account of the sometimes contrasting needs of users.
- This policy will also ensure that memorials have a common appearance, style and size and will not cause offence to others.
- The Council, through this policy, will endeavour to offer the highest standard of service in undertaking its management and regulatory responsibilities. This policy will establish responsibility for maintenance, repair and replacement.
- Any complaints relating to the implementation of the policy will be dealt with through the Council’s Complaints Procedure.
- General arrangements
- Applications for installation of memorials, benches, trees in Council owned parks or open spaces shall be submitted in writing or email.
- The Council does not permit the placing or burial of cremated human remains, or the scattering of human ashes in any of its public open spaces.
- The Council does not permit the burial of pets or the scattering of pet ashes in any of its public open spaces.
- The Council will permit the internment of pet ashes and for these ashes to be placed under a tree or bench, but these will be restricted to the Pet Memorial Area.
- Any memorial bench, tree or plaque should be paid for by the applicant prior to installation, and the location agreed in writing.
- Benches and trees remain the property of the Council. The Council accepts no replacement liability for a bench, tree or plaque which is considered by the Council to have reached the end of its useful life.
- The Council accepts no liability for damage or theft of any memorial bench, tree or plaque from vandals or third parties.
- Memorial plaques on benches are to be a maximum size of 175mm wide x 75mm high. Plaques shall be made of cast bronze with black lettering.
- The inscription on the plaque is to be restricted to “In the Memory of” the name of the person, recognition of public office (if appropriate) and the dates of birth and death. Please note that there should be no more than four lines of inscription on the plaques and the wording is subject to the approval of the Council.
- It is the responsibility of an applicant to ensure that the Council is kept informed about their contact details. Should a bench, tree or personalized plaque be removed, the personalized plaque will be returned to the applicant’s last known address.
- No memorial tribute or mementoes such as vases, statues, solar lights, obelisks, flowers, wreaths, balloons or other ornamentation should be placed around a bench, tree or other location. If this were to occur, the Council reserves the right to remove and dispose of any such the item
- Memorial Benches
- Three types of bench are available, two are made from English Oak, sustainably grown in our Woodland Estate; these can either be backed or non-backed in design. Formal benches are also available for the Council’s formal parks. Prices (including materials and installation) may vary depending upon the cost of timber at the time of ordering.
- Please note benches have an expected minimum life and will be maintained by the Council for a period of 5 years as deemed necessary. After this time the bench may need to be removed. Applicants will be given the option to replace the bench with a new one at extra cost, if required, or to relinquish the site.
- The exterior of the bench will not be treated due to the hard-wearing nature of the timber used. However, the submerged legs of the bench will be treated with a wood preservative on installation to reduce the likelihood of decay.
- Memorial benches will be positioned to maximise the benefit for all users of the space concerned and in consideration of its future development. The Council will limit the number of memorial benches in particular areas. The location in which the bench can be placed is determined by the map showing availability of plots. While the Council will try to locate a bench at the location requested, this cannot be guaranteed. The Council reserves the right to refuse applications on this basis.
- Memorial trees
- The Council encourages the planting of semi-mature native species, such as:- Oak, Cherry, Hornbeam, Lime, Field Maple, Pear, Crab Apple.
- A guard and stake will be used to protect the tree from rabbits and deer and this will be removed once the tree has out-grown the risk.
- Trees which fail within the first year of planting will be replaced at the Council’s expense; any further replacements will be at the expense of the applicant.
- Memorial trees will be positioned to maximise the benefit and development of the open space. The Council will limit the number of memorial trees in particular areas. The location in which the tree can be placed is determined by the map showing the availability of plots. Whilst the Council tries to locate a tree at a requested location, this cannot be guaranteed. The Council reserves the right to refuse applications on this basis.
- A plaque may be attached to a purpose designed post to identify the tree, subject to approval by the Council.
- Should a tree become unsightly or unsafe, the Council will notify the applicant of its intention to remove the tree, or to undertake works to make it safe.
- The Council accepts no replacement liability for the plaque or the tree. Any replacements of tree or plaques will be the responsibility of the original applicant.
- Pet memorial area
- The Council will allow owners to bury pet’s ashes in the pet memorial area only. Ashes must be accompanied by a certificate of cremation from a licensed crematorium.
- The burial location will be determined by a map showing the availability of plots. The ashes must be placed with a bio-degradable container.
- A metal plaque will be fixed to the memorial feature to record the interment of ashes. The fee paid shall cover a period of ten years, but this arrangement may be terminated should the owner not pay the required fee. In such circumstance the Council reserves the right to remove and dispose of the memorial plaque.
- Alternatively a plaque may be placed on a memorial bench or on a stake adjacent to a memorial tree which has also been purchased.
- Memorial benches, trees and plaques are restricted to one for each pet. The Council will limit the number of memorials and while the Council will try to locate a memorial at a requested location, this cannot be guaranteed. The Council reserves the right to refuse applications on this basis.
- Requests to scatter pet ashes will not be considered. Tablets, kerbstones or other structures are not permitted and will be removed.