§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the planning regulations relating to the sale of graveyards; and if he will make a statement. [88450]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThere are no planning provisions which apply specifically to a proposed disposal of a graveyard, although a local authority may need a disposal consent in certain circumstances, for example to dispose of the land for less than the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained. A disused burial ground, which is no longer used for human interment, falls within the definition of open space for the purposes of local government and town and country planning powers. A local authority proposing to sell or otherwise dispose of or appropriate open space land must advertise the proposal and consider any objections. The disturbance of 175W buried human remains normally requires a licence from the Home Office or, in relation to consecrated ground, a Faculty from the Bishop. Planning permission would normally be required for the carrying out of any development of land. We have no plans to review the present planning controls relating to the sale of graveyards.