Dedicated benches
A dedicated bench can make a fitting tribute or memorial to a loved one, or can be used to commemorate a special occasion such as a birth, birthday, wedding or anniversary.
How to apply
Complete our online form to request a dedicated bench.
Operating principles
We will organise the purchase and placement of all donated memorial benches in council-owned parks, cemeteries and open spaces. They will be subject to the requested site not already having a sufficient number of benches which will be determined by the site-specific asset management plan.
We will consider suitable locations within the site where people are likely to make good use of the bench. These will be areas which lack any seating nearby or are at a likely stopping point, such as a particular view or rest point on a path. In addition, the location will be chosen to minimize future maintenance and vandalism - remote locations with poor access for maintenance and users will not be considered.
The Council has approved and agreed to use particular styles of bench depending on location.
After the bench has been installed
Dedicating a bench in a park, cemetery or open space means that it is placed there for all users to enjoy and becomes public property.
Floral tributes or any other tribute are not permitted to be left on or around the bench and any found will be removed and disposed of.
Purchase of a memorial bench will be for the expected life period of the bench only (approximately 20 years), after which time it may need to be removed. The cost will include the bench, plaque, inscription, installation and surfacing.
As the benches should require minimal maintenance, there will be no additional charge for this. The Council's standards of maintenance will be accepted as keeping the bench fit for purpose and clean. This will involve the removal of graffiti and repairing minor faults.
We will provide a standard letter of agreement to ensure you understand all terms and conditions prior to purchase.
Additional applications
Where there is no space for an additional new dedicated bench or we receive an application for a plaque on an existing bench or shared communal dedication bench this will be considered, if the bench is in good condition.
Given that the bench has already been provided through public funds, a contribution towards the original purchase of the bench, together with the fee for the plaque and installation costs will be required. The funds raised will be used for the repair or provision of other public benches. The same conditions on life expectancy and maintenance apply to any existing benches as apply to new benches.
Fees
Fees do not need to be paid as part of your enquiry, your application will need to be considered before you make any payment.
New dedicated bench for sole dedication
| Service | Duration | Cost | VAT 20% | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benches UP1, PP1, RP1, CP1 and 2 plus GP2 plaque, inscription, installation and surfacing works | 20 year lease | £1,500 | £300 | £1,800 |
| Extension to lease, subject to condition of bench | 10 year lease extension | £458.33 | £91.67 | £550 |
Existing communal or shared dedication bench
| Service | Duration | Cost | VAT 20% | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP2 plaque, inscription, fixing and contribution towards existing communal dedication bench (maximum of 4 plaques permitted) - approval granted subject to condition of bench | 20 year lease | £291.67 | £58.33 | £350 |
| Extension to lease, subject to condition of bench | 10 year lease extension | £145.83 | £29.17 | £175 |
Existing Bench for Sole Dedication
| Service | Duration | Cost | VAT 20% | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GP2 plaque, inscription, fixing and contribution towards existing bench - approval granted subject to condition of bench | 20 year lease | £916.67 | £183.33 | £1,100 |
| Extension to lease, subject to condition of bench | 10 year lease extension | £458.33 | £91.67 | £550 |
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