From Feasibility to Reality: Oxford Burial Meadow Enters Construction Phase
The CDS Group is delighted to see the Oxford Burial Meadow project progress into the construction phase, marking a significant milestone in a scheme that has been shaped by years of planning, assessment and long-term strategic thinking.
The recent appointment of Blakedown Landscapes as principal contractor for the Oxford Burial Meadow represents a major step forward in delivering much-needed burial provision for Oxford residents. The 17-acre site off Oxford Road will provide sustainable burial capacity for approximately 45 years whilst creating a biodiverse landscape incorporating meadow habitats, tree planting, footpaths and areas for quiet reflection.
For The CDS Group, the announcement is particularly rewarding as it marks the progression of work that has its roots in some of the earliest cemetery capacity and site assessment studies undertaken for Oxford.
In 2010 and 2011, CDS, then operating as Cemetery Development Services, was commissioned by Oxford City Council to undertake the Oxford New Cemetery Space Provision Study, a strategic feasibility study examining future burial provision requirements across the city. The commission sought to identify land within and around Oxford that may be suitable for providing future cemetery space and to assess how long existing burial provision would continue to meet demand.
The study involved a comprehensive review of existing cemetery provision, future burial requirements, site assessments and the identification of potential locations capable of supporting Oxford’s long-term burial needs. This early-stage feasibility work helped establish the evidence base required for future decision-making and investment in burial infrastructure.
CDS continued to support the wider search and appraisal process in subsequent years. In 2022, The CDS Group completed a Site Search Appraisal for Oxford Direct Services, undertaking further technical assessment work including reviews of geology, hydrogeology, groundwater protection zones, flood risk, planning constraints and site suitability considerations.
Today, Oxford Burial Meadow has emerged as the city’s long-term solution to addressing future burial demand. Oxford City Council has confirmed that the site was identified following an extensive search process and received strong public support, with 91% of consultation respondents backing the proposals. Planning permission was granted in April 2026, and construction is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Becky Ballinger, Managing Director of The CDS Group, said:
“We are delighted to see the Oxford Burial Meadow project progressing into construction. Projects of this nature require long-term vision, robust evidence and significant commitment throughout the feasibility, appraisal and planning stages.
It is particularly rewarding to see a scheme move from the early strategic assessments and site search work through to delivery. Ensuring communities have access to sustainable burial provision requires proactive planning years in advance, and we are proud to have supported Oxford’s journey in identifying and assessing options to help meet its future burial needs.
The Oxford Burial Meadow will provide an important community asset for generations to come, while also delivering wider environmental and biodiversity benefits which will make visitation to the site by families that much more special and comforting.”
The project demonstrates the importance of forward-thinking cemetery planning and highlights how early-stage feasibility studies can help local authorities address future burial capacity challenges before they become critical.
As specialist cemetery and crematorium consultants, The CDS Group continues to support local authorities, town councils and private operators across the UK with cemetery feasibility studies, burial capacity assessments, site search and appraisal exercises, planning applications and the delivery of new burial and cremation facilities.
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26496939.oxford-burial-meadow-construction-begin-autumn-2026/