Plans have been submitted for a £1.7m extension of South Essex Crematorium in Upminster, in order to fill the shortage of burial spaces in Havering.

Romford Recorder: Upminster Cemetery is probably going to be extended to meet the demand for burial space in Havering which will run out in 2013.Upminster Cemetery is probably going to be extended to meet the demand for burial space in Havering which will run out in 2013. (Image: Archant)

The 5.5 hectare extension would provide about 6,300 new graves.

It will take place on land which has previously been leased to a farmer.

In July 2011, the council warned that the borough only had room to bury the dead until September 2013 if no action was taken.

Hornchurch and Rainham cemeteries are both full, with Romford nearing capacity.

The application is due to go before the planning committee in late April.

If approval is granted, the council say a contractor will be appointed shortly afterwards. The first phase of a three phase extension will be completed by the autumn.

Cllr Lesley Kelly, cabinet member for housing and public protection, said: “We have explored many options to provide more burial space and we are confident that this option is the best.

“We need to be able to provide more burial space in this borough so local families can lay their relatives to rest. This investment will ensure we can provide graves for many years to come.”

Around 210 new graves are needed each year in the borough.

The cemetery at South Essex Crematorium in Ockenden Road was built in 1902 and last extended in 2001.