BSP Consulting

The extension to Pleasington Cemetery by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will allow for grave plots for approximately ten years. BSP has been involved in the design of the drainage elements of the scheme, as well as the new car park and the resurfacing of existing footpaths and driveways, working with Harrison Design Development.

BSP was appointed to carry out a flood risk assessment at the site, and worked closely with Harrison Design Development on the external works design, structural design, as well as the drainage strategy, which included a SuDS scheme.

The new £1.2 million burial site off Long Leys Road in Lincoln has provisions to manage the city’s needs for 30 to 50 years. The cemetery, which has space for around 4,000 burial plots, also includes a flower meadow which has been earmarked for ‘green burials’. A staff and toilet block is located near the main gate, plus a new footpath leading from the cemetery to Long Leys Road.

Water drainage has been a major challenge on the sloping Long Leys Road site, which was chosen from more than 20 locations considered.The problem has been tackled by the installation of a pond and buried retention tank at the bottom, which enables a gradual release of surplus water into the drainage system.

Plants and trees have been chosen for their natural ability to absorb underground water to alleviate the problem further as well as act as screening for nearby houses.

Councillor Fay Smith, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services and Public Protection, said: “It’s been 160 years since we last opened a cemetery in this city.

“I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this project. It was a challenging site due to the natural springs in the area, and the design team have done a great job creating an attenuation pond that is functional but attractive.”