PA publishes proposed design guidance for crematoria

To reduce the pressure for cemetery extensions in the long term, the Planning Authority has published proposed spatial policy and design guidance which will serve to direct and assess development applications pertaining to standalone cremation facilities.

The proposed policy review specifies that crematoria which will not form part of an existing cemetery may only be considered if they are located outside the development zone but up to 1.5 km from the boundary of the Principal Urban Area (PUA) for Malta.

Reason being to avoid the proliferation of sites and centralise them in close proximity to the main centres of population. In Gozo, the siting of crematoria is to be located around the Rabat/Xewkija area.

All proposals for standalone crematoria need to be supported by the Health Authorities for further consideration.

Once these key criteria are satisfied, standalone crematoria will only be considered if they are located within a number of appropriate locations.

Additionally, a crematorium must be suitably linked to roads forming part of the Ten-T core, comprehensive, arterial and distributor road network, as confirmed by Transport Malta, and can accommodate a safe access from and to it.

The draft policy identifies a number of sites where proposed standalone crematoria will not be permitted, for example sites scheduled as Areas of High Landscape Value amongst many others.

Every crematorium should have a front of house area, intended for the parking of the hearse and ceremonial vehicles; an indoor ceremony building, and an outdoor space designated for the scattering of ashes with a garden of remembrance.

The ceremony building which cannot exceed a footprint of 500sq.m must include a mortuary, a viewing room, a cremation chamber and other related facilities. The height of the building cannot exceed 7.7m with allowance for architectural features and the chimney structure.

Overall, the design must create a low profile but appealing structure with a clean and elegant yet simple profile that is sympathetic to its location and surroundings. The design must provide a feeling of peacefulness and tranquillity through the appropriate massing, choice of materials, colours and landscaping.

Underground parking may be considered within the 500sq.m built component only. No excavation beneath the open space areas including the garden of remembrance will be permitted.

The open spaces and the garden of remembrance must be suitably landscaped with trees, shrubs and flowering and must provide a dignified and humane funerary space with walkways and water features. Lighting must be kept to the minimal possible.

The cremators must be equipped with the best available filtration and abatement technology systems to the satisfaction of ERA and the Superintendent of Public Health, and these are to be maintained to the best of standards.

Electric cremators would also be preferred, as they reduce the carbon footprint and can be offset by RES installed on site.

Crematorium developments are to follow the legal health requirements, guidance and standards that ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of crematoria operations as legally established by the Ministry for Health and Superintendent for Public Health through the Cremation Act and Operational Health Standards.

In case of ceasing of operations as a crematorium, the change of use to another land use, is strictly prohibited unless it involves the rehabilitation of the site to an environmentally acceptable natural state.

The proposed review policy may be downloaded from the PA’s website www.pa.org.mt/consultation

The Authority is inviting individuals and organisations to send their submissions related to this review policy. Representations are to be made in writing to the: Planning Authority, Review of the Cemeteries Policy and Design Guidance (2015) St Francis Ravelin, Floriana, FRN1230, or through email address: [email protected]

Submissions must be sent to the Authority by not later than 31st March 2023.