Waltham Forest approves £11m Chingford crematorium despite capacity concerns
Council says facility is needed for residents but critics question location and financial viability
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Waltham Forest Council has approved the construction of an £11 million crematorium at Chingford Mount Cemetery, with completion expected later in 2026. The decision follows cabinet approval in 2023 and planning consent granted in April 2025. Council figures indicate the facility will serve approximately 85,000 residents who currently live more than a half-hour’s drive from a dedicated crematorium, accounting for around 1,625 cremations each year.
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A council spokesperson said the project was necessary to ensure residents could pay their final respects within the borough. The spokesperson told MyLondon the business case was based on a detailed analysis of demand, accessibility and demographic growth. The location was chosen after an independent needs assessment and alternative site review.
The council expects to run out of burial space by 2033, which it says justifies the investment. Traffic modelling suggests the crematorium will add an average of 168 vehicle movements per day to Old Church Road, which currently sees around 10,000 daily. The spokesperson said ample parking already exists at the cemetery for mourners.
Critics question capacity and location
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Dr Brian Parsons, a crematorium expert, has challenged the project’s necessity. His report, cited by MyLondon, states that existing North and East London crematoria, including those in Enfield, City of London, Manor Park and Forest Park, handled around 7,000 cremations in 2024 despite having capacity for approximately 16,000. Parsons argues the new facility may struggle to attract families who already use established sites.
The choice of location was evidence-led and carefully considered, having been informed by both an independent need assessment and an alternative site assessment.
Waltham Forest Council spokesperson
Parsons also raised concerns about the financial viability of the scheme. He said the council’s projections assume families will switch from existing crematoria, but this may take years. The council plans to offer discounts for morning services and cremations of under-18s, which Parsons said could delay the return on investment. If the council charged £1,000 per cremation for all 1,625 annual services, it would generate £1.625 million per year.
The location of the crematorium within an existing cemetery has also drawn criticism. Parsons told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that modern crematoria are typically built in open spaces to allow for larger gardens of remembrance. He described the Chingford Mount site as unorthodox, with limited space for memorials and graves surrounding the planned gardens.
What happens next
Construction of the crematorium is underway, with the council expecting it to be operational in 2026. No further public consultation is planned, as planning permission has already been granted. The council has not released a detailed timeline for completion or confirmed when services will begin.
Questions this report answers
+Why is Waltham Forest building a new crematorium?
Waltham Forest Council says the £11 million crematorium is needed because 85,000 residents live more than 30 minutes from a dedicated facility. The council also predicts it will run out of burial space by 2033, making the project necessary for local services.
+How much will the Chingford crematorium cost?
The crematorium at Chingford Mount Cemetery will cost £11 million. Waltham Forest Council says the business case includes financial modelling and demand analysis, but critics argue the project may not be financially viable due to existing spare capacity.
+When will the Chingford crematorium open?
The crematorium is expected to be operational in 2026. Waltham Forest Council has not released a detailed timeline for completion or confirmed when services will begin, as reported by MyLondon.
+Do existing crematoria have enough capacity?
Dr Brian Parsons’ report states North and East London crematoria handled around 7,000 cremations in 2024 but have capacity for 16,000. Critics argue this spare capacity makes the new £11 million facility unnecessary, as reported by MyLondon.
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