An extension to Whitehaven Cemetery looks set to be approved next week.

The proposal to create a new burial space within the existing extension at the cemetery will go before Copeland’s Executive Committee on Monday.

Whitehaven Cemetery was extended in 2008 to provide an additional 373 burial plots and land to the western edge of the site has been set aside to provide further burial space.

The latest expansion would create another 128 burial plots, capable of accommodating 256 burials.

It is estimated this would provide availability of burial plots at the cemetery until 2027. The works are expected to cost around £74,000 and will be funded from the council’s approved 2019/20 capital programme.

Investment in the infrastructure would be needed, which include the creation of paths, an access road, concrete plinths for headstones, retaining wall structures and soft landscaping.

A consecration ceremony by the Bishop of Carlisle has also been proposed for the new burial spaces.

Copeland Council manages burial services at five cemeteries across the borough – Whitehaven, Hensingham, Beckermet, Nether Wasdale and Millom – with the Parks and Open Spaces team providing about 100 interments a year. Burials account for around 10 per cent of the council’s bereavement services provision, with 90 per cent of services provided as cremations at Distington Hall.