Green councillor Ani Stafford-Townsend has described the expansion approval of South Bristol Crematorium and Cemetery unto Bristol’s last working farm – Yew Tree Farm as based on “very stupid” decisions from the 1960s.
Marvin Rees says that the council’s land by South Bristol Cemetery was designated for expansion in the 60s and this approved plan will see a solution to the growing shortage of burial sites – Bristol will reach full capacity for burial spaces in three years.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, he adds that “the Green Party failed in their efforts to block new space for Bristolians to bury and mourn our loved one.”
Green councillor Ani Stafford-Townsend said “I think we made a lot of decisions in the 60s that we are now aware are very stupid. There is no crematorium and cemetery strategy that has been drawn up. The strategy that we have dates from the 60s.”
They believe the world has changed dramatically. “We need a new strategy and taking the easiest option at this point isn’t a very good long-term solution. The long-term impact of developing into a site of special interest,” Townsend said.
The council’s One City Climate Strategy Space aimed at nature states that at least 30% of land in Bristol [is] to be managed for the benefit of wildlife by 2030.
Stafford-Townsend said, “this application approval is in direct conflict with the strategy, local plan, and with the climate and ecological emergency the council groundbreakingly declared and yet are no meeting those obligations.”
Speaking about the council’s decisions, George Cook, communications officer for Avon Wildlife Trust says “with Yew Tree Farm not being protected what is stopping development on all other Sites of Nature Conservation Interest across the city?
“Announcing an emergency is easy, I want them to start acting as if they truly believe in it and take action. Protecting sites designated as important for wildlife such as SNCIs is a must.”
“Once we lose green spaces, they are likely gone forever. We need to protect these sites for wildlife for us and all future generations of Bristolians,” Cook from Avon Wildlife Trust said.
Bristol resident, Sandra Gardner believes there needs to be a balance.
“Everything seems to be going under a block of concrete. I appreciate everyone needs a home, but we need greenery for happiness.” Gardner told Bower News.
