Council Backs Progression of Portstewart Cemetery Extension Plans

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has taken a significant step towards addressing future burial capacity in Portstewart after councillors agreed to progress plans for a proposed extension to Portstewart Cemetery.

The proposal was discussed during the in-committee section of the Environmental Services Committee meeting on 9th June 2026, where members considered a report outlining the need for additional burial provision to support the long-term delivery of cemetery services within the borough.

Councillors agreed to recommend that the project move to its next stage, allowing officers to begin land valuation discussions, site investigations, surveys and concept design work. The approval will also enable preparatory work to commence ahead of a future planning application and the development of a detailed costed report for consideration by councillors at a later date.

As part of the proposals, members also supported a temporary reduction in the number of burial plots that can be purchased within Portstewart Cemetery, reducing the current limit from three plots to two until the proposed new cemetery extension becomes operational.

The committee further agreed to recommend that delegated authority be granted to officers to begin negotiations with the landowner and bring a future report to the Land and Property and Strategic Assets Sub-Committee seeking approval for the acquisition of the land required for the extension.

During the discussion, councillors highlighted the importance of ensuring adequate burial provision for the future. Members noted that while the cemetery extension would help meet demand in the years ahead, longer-term considerations around burial capacity and alternative options may also form part of future planning discussions.

The recommendations will now be considered by the full council. If approved, further investigative work, design development, and land negotiations will be undertaken before any formal planning application is submitted.