I had a lovely response from the Reverend which answered my queries and a couple that I hadn't really thought about. I do think over-burying is the way forward with burial space in the UK rapidly running out. My main concerns though were the remains already in the grave and also the headstones already on the graves. These were the answers received: As and when any remains are uncovered (which is not common) the gravedigger puts them to one side; when the grave has been dug, s/he then places the remains respectfully at the bottom, and covers them before the fresh burial is made. Thereafter, for the next 70 years they'll be undisturbed, though a new family burial could be made on top, as at present (and as with your family). If there's an existing headstone we need a faculty to remove it. I favour the simpler approach - leave graves that have a stone undisturbed. IF at some point in the future it's felt by the Incumbent & PCC that the stone needs to be moved (maybe for safety reasons because it's become unstable), it would probably be moved to one side of the churchyard.
I also wondered if this would only postpone the problem. The Reverend assured me that the area that they plan to use would 'keep them in graves for another 100 years.' It's not that big an area really but they have given this a lot of thought and discussion.
So, even though I have the answer to my questions, I'd still be interested in other peoples thoughts on the matter. This is something that I think will get more common as the years go by, the Reverend also implied that in one of his responses to me. Other Parishes are already doing this.
_________________ Mel
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