The Local Authorities' Cemeteries Order 1977

Consecration, and setting apart for particular denominations

5.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a burial authority may if they think fit—

(a) apply to the bishop of the diocese in which a cemetery is situated for the consecration of any part thereof;

(b) set apart for the use of a particular denomination or religious body any part of a cemetery which has not been consecrated.

(2) A burial authority in exercising the powers conferred by paragraph (1) shall satisfy themselves that a sufficient part of the cemetery remains unconsecrated and not set apart for the use of particular denominations or religious bodies.

(3) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to cemeteries within the area subject to the Welsh Church Act, and any part of such a cemetery which was consecrated before the end of March 1920, or in respect of which a ceremony of consecration was performed between that time and 1st April 1974 in accordance with the rites of the Church in Wales, shall be treated for the purposes of this order as having been set apart for the use of that Church (and as not having been consecrated).

(4) A burial authority shall mark off any consecrated part of a cemetery in such manner as they consider suitable.

(5) Notwithstanding the consecration or the setting apart for the use of a particular Christian denomination of the part of a cemetery in which any burial is to be effected, the burial may take place without any religious service or with such Christian and orderly religious service at the grave, conducted by such person or persons, as the person having the charge of or being responsible for the burial may think fit.

(6) A burial authority may at the request of a particular denomination or religious body prohibit the interring or scattering of cremated human remains in or over a part of the cemetery set apart for their use.