TROON cemetery could be in line for a modern look – with above ground burial lairs as part of its new extension.

Mike Newell, South Ayrshire’s Head of Neighbourhood Services, presented the case to Troon Community Council last Tuesday.

It had been reported that Troon Cemetery was running out of space for natural earth burials and would be unable to provide burials beyond 2017.

Additional ground was later identified to be developed as part of an extension.

However, Mr Newell has now confirmed that the ground at Troon Cemetery could not be approved by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) under new regulations on traditional earthen burials.

In a report published in May 2015 by South Ayrshire Council, it was revealed the council had a budget of £550,000.

The plan now being proposed will provide sealed burial chambers, which would be waterproof, concrete chambers. Mr Newall said this was a preferred option for the council rather than burials.

These concrete ‘chambers’ or lairs would only be able to hold two coffins.
According to the report, the cost of 130 to 205 chambers would cost the council between £1600-£2500 per lair totalling in £330,000.

However, such chambers are expected to last up until 2030-31.
South Ayrshire Council confirmed, however, there wouldn’t be as many as 205 chambers built at Troon.

Mr Newell said existing ground conditions will prevent the opportunity to provide traditional earthen burials in any future facility in Troon, a problem they are also discovering in Ayr.

However, along with these chambers, there could be above ground lairs in the Troon cemetery.

It has also been confirmed that these new chambers would cost the same as it is now for a traditional earthen burials.

Mr Newell said in a statement: “”It’s been well established that Troon cemetery is nearing capacity and we’ve been actively exploring ways of extending the site for some time.

“In 2015 the council approved plans to install burial chambers, an alternative which both meets local demand for plots, and satisfies the criteria set by the environmental watchdog, SEPA.

“We’re currently finalising our plans for Troon and will submit a planning application in due course.”

All plans at the moment are subject to change before a planning permission is put forward to South Ayrshire Council.

Troon Community Council welcomed the proposals and were impressed by Mr Newell’s plans.