EPSOM CEMETERY EXTENSION

Descriptions

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is seeking to appoint a competent Supplier for the construction of an extension to the current Epsom Cemetery. The Site 1.31 Epsom is a market town in Surrey, located to the south-west of London. Epsom is renowned for the Epsom Downs Racecourse, which holds The Epsom Derby on an annual basis. 1.32 Epsom Cemetery is owned and managed by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. 1.33 Epsom Cemetery sits approximately 500 metres from the racecourse. The Cemetery is 9.7 hectare (ha) and located approximately 1.5 km south of Epsom town centre between Ashley Road and Downs Road. 1.34 The Cemetery contains traditional graves, a memorial garden and a garden of remembrance. Several associated structures are Listed and are described in more detail in the Archaeological Assessment (SCAU, December 2017). 1.35 Epsom Cemetery is neighboured by residential properties to the north and north-east, open fields (grazing land) to the east and south-east. Epsom Downs Racecourse and associated equestrian uses to the south and open fields (grazing land) to the west. The boundary to the cemetery and neighbouring fields are all well screened by trees and hedgerows. 1.36 The land immediately south of the cemetery boundary is proposed as an extension to the existing cemetery and forms the basis for this contract. The existing land use is grazing agricultural land and is within the Green Belt. 1.37 The proposed development site is approximately 1.49 ha in size, and was until recently used as grazing land for horses. It is bounded by PRoW 31, to the west and the B289, Downs Road, to the east. The western boundary is characterised by mature deciduous trees whereas the eastern boundary currently comprises a hedgerow with some hedgerow trees and a post and wire stockproof fence. There is a metal field gate giving access to the field from Downs Road. The southern boundary of the land comprises a high hedgerow and trees which separate the grazing land from the private stables and a residential property to the south. The northern boundary is shared with the existing cemetery and comprises a hedgerow