The Federation of Synagogues has received the green light to proceed with developments to its cemetery site in Edgware after the Mayor of London reportedly affirmed Barnet Council’s decision.

Planning permission has now been granted in full for the cemetery, the Federation’s third, an 11-acre plot on Edgwarebury Lane.

The newly approved amendments will allow for the building of an on-site facility for pre-burial purification rituals, as well as a design ensuring that all burials will face Jerusalem.

Federation president Andrew Cohen said: “We are delighted that the Mayor of London has recognised the great need of the strictly Orthodox communities of North-West London for a new cemetery — and for that cemetery to be designed in the manner most suited for its purpose.

“This is a multi-million pound project of enormous significance and we are very grateful to Barnet Council for approving both our planning applications.”

In 2014, the Federation purchased the former Camden Sports and Social Club, a site large enough for 8,000 burial plots, for £1.6 million. In April 2016, Barnet Council granted permission for the Federation to erect upright headstones in the new cemetery after a battle to override the recommendations of local planning officers. However, the Federation decided to go back to the planning committee to obtain further permission to make changes to the layout of the cemetery and the design of the building.

Its trustees and professional team will now work with consultants to turn the plans into reality, with the cemetery expected to be operational by mid-2020.