Durham County Council

Durham County Cemeteries

Durham City, Chester-le-Street, Stanley & Consett — we handle all permits and council liaison on your behalf.

General Council Regulations

The following rules apply across all Durham County Council cemeteries. Individual sites may have additional requirements — see each cemetery below.

All memorials must be installed by a Durham County Council-approved stonemason

A permit must be obtained from bereavement services before installation begins

Kerb sets are permitted in traditional sections only — not in lawn sections

Timber, plastic, and fibreglass memorials are not permitted on any section

Foundations must comply with the NAMM Code of Working Practice 2015

Memorials must not exceed the maximum dimensions for the relevant section

Chippings and gravel infill require prior council approval in most sections

Memorials must not be installed within 12 months of burial

Individual Cemetery Information

Detailed regulations and information for each cemetery within County Durham.

Durham City Cemetery

Established

1866

The principal municipal cemetery for Durham City, set on a hillside with views across the city and cathedral. A large, well-maintained site with a mix of Victorian-era graves and modern lawn sections. Durham County Council applies careful standards to ensure new memorials respect the character of this historic site.

Sections Available

Important Notes

Durham City Cemetery is a site of significant historic interest. The council may request design amendments for memorials in the older sections to ensure they are in keeping with the surroundings. We recommend allowing additional time for the approval process.

Memorial Regulations

Max Height

1,065mm (3.6ft)

Max Width

900mm (3ft)

Kerb Sets

Permitted (traditional sections)

Chippings

Permitted in traditional sections only

Permit Required

Yes — we handle this for you

Permitted Materials

Not Permitted

Chester-le-Street Cemetery

Established

1894

A well-kept cemetery serving Chester-le-Street and the surrounding communities. The site has a traditional character and is managed to a consistently high standard. Chester-le-Street is one of the areas we serve most regularly in County Durham.

Sections Available

Important Notes

The cremated remains section has reduced size limits — maximum height 900mm, maximum width 600mm. Kerb sets are not permitted in the lawn or cremated remains sections. All inscriptions must be approved prior to installation.

Memorial Regulations

Max Height

1,065mm (3.6ft)

Max Width

900mm (3ft)

Kerb Sets

Permitted (traditional sections)

Chippings

Permitted in traditional sections

Permit Required

Yes — we handle this for you

Permitted Materials

Not Permitted

Stanley Cemetery

Established

1891

Serving the Stanley and Annfield Plain communities in the north-west of County Durham. A straightforward, well-managed site with a friendly bereavement services team. We work here regularly and have a good working relationship with the council staff.

Sections Available

Important Notes

Garden of Remembrance plaques must conform to the council’s standard size and fixing specifications. Upright memorials are not permitted in the Garden of Remembrance section.

Memorial Regulations

Max Height

1,065mm (3.6ft)

Max Width

900mm (3ft)

Kerb Sets

Permitted (traditional sections)

Chippings

Permitted with council approval

Permit Required

Yes — we handle this for you

Permitted Materials

Not Permitted

Benfieldside Cemetery

Established

1862

A large cemetery serving the Consett area and surrounding villages. The site has a mix of traditional and lawn sections and is managed by Durham County Council. Consett Cemetery is a busy site and we recommend submitting permit applications well in advance of the intended installation date.

Sections Available

Important Notes

Due to the volume of applications processed at Consett Cemetery, permit approval can take up to six weeks. We will advise you on realistic timescales when you enquire and will submit your application as early as possible.

Memorial Regulations

Max Height

1,065mm (3.6ft)

Max Width

900mm (3ft)

Kerb Sets

Permitted (traditional sections)

Chippings

Permitted in traditional sections only

Permit Required

Yes — we handle this for you

Permitted Materials

Not Permitted

Ready to Discuss Your Memorial?

We will handle every aspect of the permit process for Durham Council — from initial application through to installation. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.