BURIAL space at a major Coventry cemetery is set for works to improve drainage after several severe floods while its future has been secured for the next 40 years.
The latest phase for developing Lentons Lane Cemetery has been announced by Coventry City Council.
The council’s cabinet members will be asked to approve funding of £2.1million when it meets on August 28.
A council spokesperson said a ‘fundamental’ part of the project will be to install ‘extensive drainage’ as well as greater access for those with limited mobility.
The council estimates work on site – including new roads and paths – will take approximately 15 months to complete.
Use of the land as a burial space at the cemetery will extend from its current six to nine year span to 35 to 40 years, the council says.
The extension will include reclaiming land previously used for agricultural purposes to maximise grave space.
The council says work will include surface drains to move water to a ‘retention reed bed for natural filtration’.
The project will be undertaken in consultation with the government’s Environment Agency.
More work is also planned in the existing burial space to help ensure surface water drains away as quickly as possible after heavy rainfall.
More than £150,000 has been spent on flood defenses at the cemetery since 2014.
A council spokesperson said it is unclear how much more money will be spent on drainage.
Councillor Ram Lakha, deputy cabinet member for city services, said: “This extension to Lentons Lane is really important as it will allow local people to bury their loved ones in the city.
“We know this is very important to many people and that’s why I’m pleased that we can extend the site.
“This extension will mean we have burial space for up to 40 years as well as space at Canley Crematorium.
“The work will take some time to complete but it will be done as carefully as possible and critically it will involve extensive drainage work and a network of paths to ensure a safe route for people with mobility issues.”
The council says funding will come from corporate capital resources.
Coventry City Council apologised to residents in April after heavy flooding at Lentons Lane while St Paul’s, Walsgrave and Canley also saw flooding.
