Waltham Forest defends £11m Chingford crematorium amid expert criticism
Council says facility is needed as burial space runs out by 2033, but critics question cost and location
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Only one named source (Dr Parsons) and council press release quoted.
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Waltham Forest Council has defended its decision to build an £11m crematorium in Chingford Mount Cemetery, despite criticism from a leading expert and local campaigners. The facility, approved in April 2025, is scheduled to open later this year. The council says it is necessary to address a projected shortage of burial space by 2033 and to provide a local option for residents.
Why the council says it is needed
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The council estimates that more than 85,000 residents live more than a 30-minute drive from a dedicated crematorium. This, it says, equates to around 1,625 cremations annually. A spokesperson told MyLondon that residents "should be able to pay final respects to their loved ones here in their home borough". The decision to build the facility followed a cabinet agreement in 2023 and was based on an independent needs assessment.
The council’s business case included analysis of demand, accessibility, and demographic growth, alongside financial modelling. It also considered alternative sites before selecting Chingford Mount Cemetery. The spokesperson described the location as "evidence-led and carefully considered".
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Dr Brian Parsons, a crematorium expert, has criticised the project’s cost and location. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the placement of a crematorium within a cemetery is "unorthodox in the modern day". Post-war crematoria, he said, are typically built in open spaces to allow for larger gardens of remembrance, rather than among existing graves.
Parsons also questioned the financial viability of the scheme. He calculated that if the council charged £1,000 per cremation for all 1,625 estimated annually, it would generate £1.625m a year. However, he warned that the council may need to offer discounts for morning services or for under-18s, and may not operate on weekends, which could delay recouping costs for "many years".
Data from the Cremation Society of Great Britain, cited in Parsons’ report, shows that existing crematoria in North and East London, including Enfield, City of London, Manor Park, and Forest Park, handled around 7,000 cremations in 2024, despite having capacity for approximately 16,000. Parsons argued this indicates spare capacity in the region, making the new facility unnecessary.
The Chingford Mount crematorium flies in the face of current practice in the UK.
Dr Brian Parsons, crematorium expert
Traffic and parking concerns
Residents have raised concerns about increased traffic and parking pressure on Old Church Road. The council said it has modelled the impact and expects an average of 21 vehicles per service. With around eight services per day, this would add 168 vehicles to the road, which currently sees 10,000 daily movements.
A council spokesperson said: "Ample parking provision already exists at the cemetery for the use of mourners." The spokesperson added that the modelling was underpinned by "real-world data" to ensure minimal impact on local traffic.
What happens next
The crematorium is scheduled to open later in 2026. It remains unclear whether the council will adjust its pricing or operating model in response to concerns about financial viability. No further public consultation is planned before the facility becomes operational.
Questions this report answers
+Why is Waltham Forest building a new crematorium?
The council says it will run out of burial space by 2033 and needs a local facility to serve residents. It estimates 1,625 cremations annually from residents currently travelling more than 30 minutes for services. The £11m project is due to open in 2026.
+How much will the crematorium cost and how will it be funded?
The crematorium will cost £11m. The council has not specified how it will fund the project, but it expects to generate £1.625m annually if it charges £1,000 per cremation. Critics warn discounts or limited operating hours could delay recouping costs.
+Will the crematorium increase traffic in Chingford?
The council says the crematorium will add 168 vehicles daily to Old Church Road, which currently sees 10,000 movements. It states modelling shows minimal impact and that ample parking exists at the cemetery for mourners.
+What are the main criticisms of the crematorium?
Dr Brian Parsons argues existing crematoria in North and East London operate below capacity, making the new facility unnecessary. He also questions its location within a cemetery and its financial viability, warning it could take years to recoup costs.
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