Types of burials: farmland or garden
This advice has been taken from the Institute of Cemetery & Crematoria Management (ICCM) Charter for the Bereaved.
Farmland
These locations are rarely overlooked and will not offend neighbours or the public at large. The gravesite should be on land with a deep water table and be sufficient distance from watercourses so as not to pose a pollution threat. Electrical or other services must obviously be avoided.
A limited number of burials over a period of time may not constitute a “change of use” and no planning approval is thereby necessary.
Excavation of the grave would be a further consideration, as well as leaving sufficient depth of soil (three feet) over the body. If it is intended to fence or mark the grave(s) with a memorial, planning permission may be required. In effect, a single burial in a farm situation can proceed without an approach to, or the approval of, any council or other official organisation.
Garden
The situation in a garden is complicated by the proximity of neighbours. They may oppose a burial nearby and may be offended by the sight of a coffin or body. Although these may not pose legal objections, it may not be conducive to good relationships. Otherwise, the aspects outlined under farm burials above are broadly similar.
The particular difficulty in these locations is the reduction of the property value due to the presence of a grave. Although figures of 20% are mentioned, this has yet to be proven. Undoubtedly, a significant fall will occur although the fact that many buyers would not even consider the purchase at all seems more relevant.