Graves could be reused and closed cemeteries reopened under proposals aimed at tackling a lack of space for the dead.
The Law Commission suggested that cemeteries declared full could be reused for new burials. This proposal is public hearing A commission to reform the 170-year-old burial laws in England and Wales.
The commission warns that burial space is rapidly running out in urban areas, with many cemeteries already full.
Proposed changes would allow burial grounds to reuse graves, but this would require public consultation and government approval.
Security measures will also be put in place at individual graves, allowing plots to be reused only if the last person was buried at least 75 years ago.
A separate public consultation is considering the time frame for reusing the graves and what will happen if families object.
Professor Nick Hopkins, Commissioner of Property, Family and Trusts Law, said any changes would need to be considered in consultation with the public.
He said: “We are very keen to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure that if graves are re-used it is done with great care and that we have the support of the public. It is not done against the wishes of the deceased's relatives.
He added: “Our proposals provide an important opportunity to reform burial and cremation laws and preserve burial space for future generations.”
Current law makes it illegal to redevelop cemeteries for any reason other than developing a place of worship.
Other public cemeteries can be redeveloped if the owners receive permission from council.
Deputy Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said the government was awaiting the committee's recommendations “with interest”.
Dr Julie Rugg, a burial reform expert at the University of York, said change was “absolutely necessary”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she said: “Our system is not working and is actually threatening our funeral traditions.” [and] Our favorite Victorian cemetery. We're running out of space. ”
She added: “Most people don't really have a problem with this. I don't think anyone expects their graves to ever be touched again. That's not reasonable.”
He cited a recent York University survey of 1,600 people that found the majority expected graves to be reused in 100 years.
Giles Fraser, vicar of St Anne's Church in Kew, west London, said he felt “very conflicted” about the issue.
he said: “My cemetery is full. My mausoleum is full. There is no space. But I am also aware that the dead guard these open spaces for the living. I feel very uneasy about reusing things and building on them. This is not what is being proposed, but we are moving in that direction.”
Mr Fraser added: “Just moving a gravestone is an extraordinary nightmare for the authorities. They may not be able to contact their relatives, but they are unable to communicate with their loved ones in the hope that this is where they were buried. They may have very strong feelings about it.”
