The Federation of Synagogues has achieved a long-standing aim by purchasing land to open a cemetery in north-west London.

An 11-acre site has been acquired in Edgwarebury Lane, south of existing Jewish cemeteries serving other communities.

Federation president Andrew Cohen said it was "right in the middle of where we want to be in a major catchment area. We have been looking for a long time to acquire a site which will be more convenient for where the population has shifted.

"It is one of the things that the Federation communities have been asking for."

Large enough for 8,000 plots, the site cost £1.6 million, although it was originally on the market for more than double that.

We have been looking for a site more convenient for where the community has shifted

"It was a long and protracted negotiation," Mr Cohen said.

He estimated it would take up to 18 months before being ready for use. "We have to do drainage, build an ohel [prayer hall] and parking space," he said.

"We'll need to revise the planning application for the layout."

The Federation is also planning to sell around 20 acres of its cemetery in Rainham, Essex, which has long been regarded as out of the way for most of its current membership. There are around a couple of hundred plots left in its Edmonton, north London, cemetery.

Edgwarebury Lane is close to the Yeshurun Federation Synagogue and within easy reach of Ohr Yisrael, the Federation's Elstree congregation.

"It's a game-changer for the Federation and continues the positive momentum of the last nine months with the opening of Nishmas Yisroel in Hendon and the relocation of our Ilford and Finchley communities," Mr Cohen said.

The new site could prove an attraction for a number of synagogues in the north-west area which have been in talks with the Federation about affiliating.

"Everyone sees the Federation as the only organisation in the country which is investing in these sort of communities and growing its presence," he added.