One of the aspects of commissioning a memorial that families are often least prepared for is the permit process. Before any headstone, kerb set, or other memorial can be installed in a UK local authority cemetery, a permit must be obtained from the cemetery’s management. This is not a formality — it is a legal requirement, and failure to obtain a permit before installation can result in the memorial being removed at the family’s expense.
The good news is that the permit process is well-established and, in the vast majority of cases, straightforward. We handle every permit application on your behalf as part of our service — you do not need to contact the cemetery yourself unless you wish to. But it is useful to understand how the process works and why it exists.
Why Are Permits Required?
The requirement for cemetery permits exists primarily for safety reasons. In the 1990s and early 2000s, a series of tragic accidents occurred in UK cemeteries in which unstable memorials fell and caused serious injury — in some cases to children. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that a significant proportion of memorials in UK cemeteries were structurally unsafe, and that the industry lacked consistent standards for installation.
The permit system was introduced as part of a broader programme of reform that also included the development of BRAMM accreditation and the NAMM Code of Working Practice. By requiring that all memorial installations are approved in advance, cemeteries can ensure that:
- The proposed memorial complies with the cemetery’s regulations on size, material, and style
- The installation will be carried out by an accredited mason using approved methods
- The grave owner has authorised the work
- A record of the installation is kept for future reference
Who Can Apply for a Permit?
In most cemeteries, the permit application must be submitted by the memorial mason on behalf of the grave owner. The grave owner — the person who holds the Deed of Grant for the grave — must give their written consent to the proposed work before the application can be submitted.
If the original grave owner has died, the right to authorise work on the memorial may pass to their next of kin or the executor of their estate. The cemetery will advise on the process for establishing authority in these circumstances.
What Information Is Required?
A typical permit application will require the following information:
- The name and address of the grave owner
- The grave reference number (found on the Deed of Grant)
- A description of the proposed memorial, including dimensions, material, and colour
- The proposed inscription wording
- The name and BRAMM/NAMM registration number of the mason carrying out the installation
- A permit fee (the amount varies by cemetery — typically between £50 and £200)
How Long Does the Permit Process Take?
Processing times vary between cemeteries, but as a general guide you should allow four to eight weeks from the submission of a complete application to the granting of a permit. Some cemeteries are faster; others — particularly larger urban cemeteries with high volumes of applications — may take longer.
The permit is typically valid for a defined period (often six to twelve months) from the date of issue. If the installation is not completed within this period, the permit may need to be renewed.
What Can Cause Delays?
- Incomplete applications — missing information or documentation
- Proposed memorials that do not comply with cemetery regulations and require redesign
- Uncertainty about grave ownership that needs to be resolved before consent can be given
- High volumes of applications at the cemetery
We minimise the risk of delays by ensuring that every application we submit is complete and accurate, and by checking the cemetery’s regulations before finalising the memorial design.
Regulations Vary Between Cemeteries
It is important to understand that cemetery regulations are not uniform across the UK. Each local authority sets its own rules, and these can vary significantly — even between cemeteries managed by the same council. Common areas of variation include:
- Maximum memorial height (typically between 900mm and 1200mm for upright headstones)
- Permitted materials (some cemeteries restrict certain stone types or colours)
- Whether kerb sets and chippings are permitted
- Whether the grave is in a lawn section with specific restrictions
- Rules on additional features such as vases, photographs, and solar lights
We are familiar with the regulations for every cemetery across South Tyneside, Sunderland, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Durham. Our Cemeteries section provides a detailed overview of the regulations for each council area.
We handle every permit application on your behalf as part of our standard service. There is no additional charge for this — it is simply part of how we work. We will keep you informed throughout the process and will confirm the installation date with you once the permit has been granted.
What About Church and Private Cemeteries?
The permit process described above applies primarily to local authority cemeteries. Church of England churchyards operate under a separate system governed by the Diocese, and the rules — and the process for obtaining permission — are different. Private cemeteries and natural burial grounds also have their own rules and processes.
If you are unsure which type of cemetery you are dealing with, or if you have any questions about the permit process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to advise.