You must register the burial in accordance with the Registration of Burials Act 1864 unless, provided for in other legislation. Although a private piece of land might not be a 'burial ground' as mentioned by the Act, it could be argued that it becomes one if a burial takes place in it. Therefore it may be prudent for the burial to be recorded in accordance with the Act by taking and preserving the particulars of it. The Act says only that registrations should be held in the keeping of the owner of the burial ground. It would seem appropriate for a copy of those particulars to be kept by the owner with the deeds to the property. With regard to the actual burial, the coffin must be buried at least 3 feet below ground level.
Planning permission may also be required for any monuments you, or relatives, may wish to erect at the site
In regard to decency, you should consider how you wish to be covered at the time of burial. Your undertaker would be able to advise you further on this matter.
You will need to contact us to ascertain if there are any private water supplies in the area and the Environment Agency at the same time with regard to watercourses and other water supplies.
