New public greenspace and burial meadow

Closed 23 Jul 2023

Opened 3 Jul 2023

Contact

Regeneration & Economy

01865 249811

regeneration@oxford.gov.uk

Feedback updated 4 Dec 2023

We asked

We asked for views on the outline design plans for the new burial meadow from 3rd – 23rd July 2023 to gain a better understanding of the views of stakeholders, future users, and members of the public to ensure the strongest design and project solutions are developed.

The ‘country park’ style scheme design of the new greenspace and burial meadow provides the public service of new burial space for Oxford within a strong landscape framework appropriate to the character of the site. The scheme includes improvements to tree cover, boundary hedges, and will improve the biodiversity of the site and enhance the public access.

The consultation included the following elements to ensure it was well publicised, and that a range of key groups were notified, and had the opportunity to submit comments.

  • Press release to the media and via social media sites linking to the project page on the Council website
  • An online survey consultation on the outline designs
  • Notifications to the Residents Panel; Locality Managers; Interfaith Forum; older persons and disabled persons organisations; and faith groups.
  • Drop in events at the Town Hall, and Horspath Village Hall

You said

A high number of people provided feedback on the outline design of the burial meadow. Most people fed back through the online survey - 439 in total, with 11 people attending the Horspath Village drop in event, and 4 people attending the Town Hall drop in event.

91% of respondents were in favour of the new greenspace and burial meadow.

While 90% of respondents said their purpose of visiting the site would be for a burial event, 43% said they would use the site for a walk / contemplation, and 28% said they would access wider countryside walks or Shotover Woods from their visit to the site.

In terms of means of transport to the site: 64% of respondents would use a car; 31% would consider using a bike; 20% the bus; 7% a taxi, and 5% a scooter.

Ideas for improvement included the following: hand washing point; timber shelter for use in heavy rain and that can function as gathering space for prayer; access near grave plots; boot brush point; more cycle parking; room for green burials; water point for people to use.

We did

The information from the consultation was taken on board by the design team and used to help shape the next design phase. A planning application has now been submitted and there is another consultation stage as part of the planning process.

Overview

After extensive searches for a suitable new burial site, Oxford City Council recently announced work is progressing to deliver a new public green space and tranquil burial meadow on land it owns off Oxford Rd towards Horspath.

The new burial meadow is a 17-acre field of Council owned land off Oxford Road towards Horspath.  The planned site is large enough to accommodate burial needs for about 40 years; all set within an attractive new landscape space featuring new tree planting, wildflower meadows, and new path links around Shotover Woods.

Why your views matter

Key stakeholders have been involved in developing the project brief for a burial meadow with ecological enhancements, and improved access to existing paths towards Shotover Woods. 

The Council is now inviting residents to get involved and give their views on the initial outline designs that have been developed for this new community greenspace with burial use.

Your views will help shape more detailed designs that are then expected to be submitted for planning approval over the summer.

Events

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Assets
  • Parks and Green Spaces
  • Open Spaces