News / Bedminster Down
Proposed cemetery expansion onto farmland could still go ahead
An investigation carried out by Bristol City Council’s legal services team regarding the proposed expansion of South Bristol Cemetery onto land currently used by Yew Tree Farm has ruled that “all executive and regulatory decisions associated with the project were taken appropriately, legally and with relevant information considered in relation to the specific decision at hand”.
The internal investigation’s report has concluded that “the required standards of appropriateness and transparency expected” have been met including decisions made by the former cabinet and development control committee.
Council leader Tony Dyer said that the review “provides a welcome opportunity to take a breath and fully consider the various issues and factors relating to what is a complex topic”.
is needed now More than ever
But the review has also come at a time when a crowdfunder has been launched to pay for a legal challenge against the city council’s decision to expand the cemetery onto Bristol’s last working farm.
Catherine Withers, who lives on the farm, says the lack of progress to protect the farm from becoming a graveyard had forced her to take urgent action.
Bristol’s Green Party councillors and campaigners say they are committed to saving Yew Tree Farm – photo: Green Party
Dyer said: “The proposed expansion of South Bristol Cemetery represents the type of challenging decisions that need to be made if we’re to deliver the services and infrastructure the city needs whilst also protecting our delicate ecosystems and Bristol’s natural economy.
“With the clarity this review provides on how we’ve arrived at the situation we face, and the consideration given to each of the competing factors, the path is laid down to support coming to an appropriate conclusion.
“It’s clear that we need to come to a conclusion on this matter so all parties have clarity on the way forward and can have confidence that decision making is informed, considered and lawful.
“We’re now in a position to review the current position and reflect on the appropriate next steps for the site and the adjacent land.
“Colleagues on the Public Health & Communities Policy Committee will soon have the opportunity to have this discussion in public, to consider available options and determine a way forward.”
Catherine Withers at Yew Tree Farm – photo: Catherine Withers
The GoFundMe page to help Withers raise £10,000 towards a judicial review has already collected nearly half that amount in donations from supporters.
In 2023, the council’s development control committee granted planning permission for the expansion of South Bristol Cemetery onto some of the farmland, which is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) and home to protected species such as dormice and skylarks.
The decision was endorsed by ex-mayor Marvin Rees’ Labour cabinet in January which allocated £2.4m for the project, a sum included in the annual budget the following month.
The Greens, who became the largest party in the chamber at May’s local elections and now lead the new committee system administration, opposed the plans before the polls because of concerns about damage to wildlife and refused to vote for the budget.
In July, Dyer reiterated his party’s commitment to protecting SNCIs amid confusion over its position on Yew Tree Farm.
But Withers said that she remains “so angry”.
She said: “It’s like I’ve been led down a dark tunnel by people who haven’t got good intentions. It’s got to the point where I can’t take that anymore and I have to take legal action.
“I don’t feel secure that enough progress is being made. If the Greens let any development go ahead on the farm, they will be a four-year flash in the pan and won’t be re-elected.
“Expanding the cemetery is not a vote-winner. I am not going away quietly and I will keep fighting for the farm.
“We are in a disastrous situation and we have to protect what we have here.”
Bristol City Council declined to comment on the threat of legal action.
Main photo: Rob Browne
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