ERoB - Important Information for Owners of Cremated Remains Plots
Published: 21 August 2026
Exclusive Rights of Burial – Important Information for Owners of Cremated Remains PlotsChigwell Parish Council is currently reviewing and digitising historic cemetery records to ensure our information is accurate, complete and accessible. This is a significant project involving thousands of plots, memorials and dedications.
As part of this work, we may identify Exclusive Rights of Burial that have expired or are approaching expiry. Where we hold current contact details, we will contact registered owners to discuss renewal or extension options where applicable.
Responsibility of the Registered OwnerThe registered owner is responsible for:
- Keeping the Council informed of their current name, address, email address and telephone number.
- Notifying the Council promptly of any change of personal details or ownership.
- Retaining the original Deed of Grant and producing it when reasonably requested.
- Ensuring any renewal application is submitted before the grant expires.
Responsibility for maintaining contact with the Council and renewing the Exclusive Right of Burial rests solely with the registered owner.
What is an Exclusive Right of Burial?An Exclusive Right of Burial grants the registered owner certain rights relating to a cremated remains plot, including:
- Authorising further interments within the plot, where permitted.
- Authorising the installation, alteration or replacement of a memorial.
- Making decisions relating to the plot in accordance with the Cemetery Regulations.
It is important to note that an Exclusive Right of Burial does not confer ownership of the land itself, which remains under the management and control of Chigwell Parish Council.
What Happens When the Right Expires?When an Exclusive Right of Burial expires, the rights granted under the deed can no longer be exercised.
This means that:
- No further interments can be authorised by the former owner.
- New memorial applications or alterations to existing memorials cannot be approved.
- The rights associated with the plot cease unless a new Exclusive Right of Burial is purchased.
Any ashes already interred within the plot will remain undisturbed. However, no further interments may take place unless a new Exclusive Right of Burial is obtained.
Our Approach to Historic Expired RightsAs part of our records review, we may discover that some Exclusive Rights of Burial expired many years ago and that no previous renewal correspondence was issued, or that correspondence could not be delivered because contact details were no longer current.
In such cases, where the registered owner or their successor comes forward and wishes to renew the rights, Chigwell Parish Council will support renewal from the date the renewal is completed. The Council will not seek to charge retrospectively for any lapsed period between the expiry date and the date of renewal.
This approach is intended to support plot owners and families whilst historic records are being reviewed and brought onto our new database system.
Keeping Your Details Up to DateTo help us maintain accurate cemetery records, please notify us of any changes to your:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
Keeping your details up to date ensures that we can contact you regarding matters affecting your cremated remains plot, memorial, and Exclusive Right of Burial.
Contact UsIf you believe you may be the owner of a cremated remains plot with an expired or soon-to-expire Exclusive Right of Burial, or if you have received correspondence from the Council and require further information, please contact:
Chigwell Parish Council
Hainault Road
Chigwell
Essex IG7 6QZ
Telephone: 020 8501 4275
Email:
admin@chigwellparishcouncil.gov.ukWe will be pleased to assist with enquiries regarding cremated remains plots, ownership transfers, renewals and cemetery records.