The new cemetery for Gillingham is to be called Duncliffe View, the town council has revealed.

The name reflects the four-acre site’s location off the town’s Common Mead Lane, which has a view of the well-known local landmark.

Last year Gillingham Town Council agreed to pay up to £100,000 to buy the site, and a further £29,700 to a company to design the layout of the cemetery. This follows what it says has been a ‘comprehensive search for suitable burial land spanning 16 years’.

Now the council is inviting local residents to have their say next month on the initial designs for the site.

In a statement the council says: ‘Residents, stakeholders and local funeral directors are warmly invited to attend a public consultation event at Gillingham Town Hall on Thursday 5 March, where initial design proposals will be on display. This will provide an opportunity to view the emerging plans, ask questions and learn more about the next stages of the project.

‘The design of Duncliffe View Cemetery is being undertaken by The CDS Group, specialists in cemetery and crematorium development management and environmental services, with over 20 years’ experience in the bereavement sector.’

The council says that since their appointment, CDS has completed a detailed topographical survey, ground penetrating radar survey and soakage testing. Work is continuing on the overall layout and design, with a focus on drainage, landscaping and accessibility.

Once the detailed design is finalised, an ecologist will complete the environmental reports required to support the planning application. The council expects that a full planning application will be submitted this Spring.

Subject to planning approval, the tender process for ground works, landscaping and hardstanding will follow submission of the planning application.

The council added: ‘Gillingham Town Council is committed to delivering a thoughtfully designed, sustainable and respectful new burial space that will serve the needs of the community for many years to come.’

It says it welcomes ‘constructive feedback’ from residents and encourages all those with an interest in the future of this ‘important community facility’ to attend the consultation drop-in event at the Town Hall on Thursday 5 March between 4pm and 6.30pm.