Council accused of ‘marking its own homework’ after clearing itself of wrongdoing

Bristol City Council has been accused of “marking its own homework” after clearing itself of wrongdoing over a series of decisions to expand a cemetery onto Yew Tree Farm.

Catherine Withers, who lives at the city’s last working farm in Bedminster Down, criticised the council for how it carried out an internal review into the plans for South Bristol Cemetery.

The council’s report, published following the investigation by legal services, concluded that “all executive and regulatory decisions associated with the project were taken appropriately, legally and with relevant information considered”.

The public health & communities policy committee will consider the options in October, including whether to go ahead with, scrap or change the expansion, which campaigners fear will lead to the closure of the farm, which is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest with protected species including dormice.

The review found that decisions by former Labour mayor Marvin Rees’ cabinet and councillors on the development control committee, who approved the plans in November 2023, were made properly according to law and the council’s constitution.

Protesters formed a human chain in front of the under-threat hedgerow at Yew Tree Farm in June 2023 – photo: Rob Browne

Council leader Tony Dyer said the probe provided a “welcome opportunity to take a breath and fully consider the various issues and factors relating to what is a complex topic”.

But Withers, who recently launched a crowdfunder to pay for a judicial review in the courts over the committee’s decision, said: “Yet again officers at Bristol City Council are being given free rein to effectively mark their own homework.”

“We will make a more formalised response shortly.

“To have an internal investigation allowing no input from individuals, groups or political parties that have repeatedly called out the problematic and abusive nature of the expansion approval is abhorrent.

“It speaks volumes when the councillor representing the new leadership of the council steps away from the investigation citing ‘significant omissions and input not being engaged with, valued or respected by officers’.

“Telling the new leader of the council a grazing licence had not been issued when indeed it had (to Withers’ sister, Elizabeth) is but one example of the depths they will sink to push through their agenda with total disregard for the wishes of the democratically elected new administration.

“The administration seeks a conclusion to this issue, but the only possible resolution is to halt the cemetery expansion. Any other decision will only prolong our fight.

“We are prepared both legally and democratically, with the necessary support, to continue our opposition.

“This matter will only be settled when officers begin enacting the wishes of our elected representatives and the expansion is stopped.”

Bristol City Council declined to comment when contacted.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• Bristol24/7 Person of the Year 2024: Catherine Withers
• Council leader reaffirms Green opposition to development on Yew Tree Farm
• Proposed cemetery expansion onto farmland could still go ahead