Agenda item

To brief the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee of the remaining provision of Bristol’s burial and cremated remains plots. To invite the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee to consider options for future provision of burials and cremated remains plots.

That the Committee for Public Health and Communities RESOLVED (unanimously):

1.      To note the contents of the report and details provided within the appendices.

2.      To provide Officers with a preferred option to progress - option 2 as amended:

                                i.            Continue with the project but on a reduced scale – Remove Area 3 from the project – no burials within the SNCI area. Only proceed with Area 1 expansion.

The current plans require the attenuation pond to be formed within the SNCI. However, officers will prioritise investigating alternative drainage solutions that do not rely on systems running through the SNCI. They will consider all mitigation options, and no final decisions regarding drainage infrastructure will be made without thorough assessment of the environmental impact and the feasibility of alternatives.

Deliver approximately 870 standard coffin burial plots, 800 Cremated Remains Plots and 260 Baby Burial Plots in 2025. Provides forecasted provision for up to 10 years.

Additionally, set up a member task and finish group to determine the mid- and long[1]term future of Bristol’s burial provision.

3.      Authorised the Executive Director Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee to take all steps required to progress the preferred option including procuring and awarding contracts over the key decision threshold.

The Committee considered an options report for future provision of burials and cremated remains plots at South Bristol Crematorium.

The Chair briefly introduced the item noting that all Committee Members had visited the South Bristol Crematorium site, and acknowledged the controversial nature of the decision and the large number of Public Forum submissions received on the matter.

Officers introduced the report highlighting key points as follows:

·       The committee was briefed on the three options for expanding the cemetery provision, emphasising public interest on the ecological considerations.

·       It was noted that the cemetery’s burial space was expected to reach capacity by mid-2026.

·       It was noted that planning permission was originally granted on the site in 1962, and was most recently reviewed at Development Control Committee B in September 2023 followed by reporting to Cabinet in January 2024.

·       Officers read out a letter from Natural England who had reviewed the ecological impact on the Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).

·       It was noted that option 2 would remove Area 3 from the project meaning no burials within the SNCI although, there would still be a need to carry out drainage works to install a pipe to the attenuation pond, which would measure 15cm in width.

·       Officers highlighted the financial implications if additional provision was not provided at South Bristol Cemetery, with projected costs up to £876,000 from the date the site reaches capacity.

Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:

·       It was noted that there were some areas of unsuitable land where the ground was too hilly or at risk of flooding, along with a section of land that could not be used.

·       Members asked about alternative sites that had been explored and were advised of the past efforts to secure additional burial sites in North Bristol which presented challenges around flooding and rocky soil which hindered suitability.

·       Officers clarified that South Bristol had the necessary infrastructure, while new sites would need extensive development which would cost upwards of £2.4m.

·       Officers advised of the impact on land that was currently being leased to Yew Tree Farm which would be minimal.

·       It was confirmed that the drainage works for option 2 would be a closed pipe to redirect surface water, helping prevent further erosion to the SNCI.

·       A Member sought clarification on whether the attenuation pond would still be necessary in Option 2 and how it would benefit the SNCI, and officers explained that it would be required to redirect surface water, but the pond would improve the SNCI by creating a wetland habitat, as detailed in the ecological management plan.

• A Member asked about potential implications on other SNCIs, noting that approving this proposal might set a precedent for future developments but officers confirm that each case was unique and that each case would be considered individually.
• A Member asked about the presence of dormice in the area and how drainage construction might affect their habitat and officers confirmed that ecologists had been monitoring the area through the installation habitat boxes but no dormice had been found in the area.
• Officers also reassured that there would be no adverse impact on bats or trees, with careful planning to protect the oak tree near Colliter’s Brook.
• The Chair reiterated the importance of transparency, working closely with stakeholders, and gaining the community’s trust, especially regarding environmental considerations.

The Chair advised that the Committee would vote on each of the recommendations in the report individually, taking a vote on each of the 3 options presented in turn.

The Chair moved recommendation 1 as set out in the report. Cllr Hance seconded the motion.

The Committee RESOLVED;

1.      To note the contents of the report and details provided within the appendices.

The Committee then considered recommendation 2 which was to put forward a preferred option to progress.

The Chair moved option 1 (in order that the Committee could vote on this option) which was continuation of the current project to expand South Bristol Cemetery. Cllr Hance seconded the motion.

On being put to the vote the motion (re: option 1) was LOST. (0 FOR, 5 AGAINST, 4 ABSTAIN)

The Chair moved option 2 which was to continue with the project but on a reduced scale. Cllr Hance seconded the motion.

It was noted that an amendment had been put forward for option 2 which was presented by Cllr Malik.

Cllr Malik then moved option 2 as amended. The motion was seconded by Cllr Hance.

Summary of further discussion points:

·       Officers noted that investigating alternative drainage solutions would result in further cost and delay of the project.

·       A Member emphasised the importance of protecting green space and urged that officers proceed with a drainage solution which caused the least impact on the SNCI.

·       Officers confirmed that council-owned land had been GIS-mapped but found no other suitable sites in South or East Bristol.

·       A Member asked for clarity on the financial loss to the council should the Committee vote for option 3, to abandon the project, and it was confirmed that the net income loss would be £152k along with an annual budget pressure of £742k which would need to be absorbed within the directorate budget.

·       It was noted that the if the Committee proceed with option 2 as amended, officers would consult with Members on future provision through the establishment of a Task & Finish Group.

·       The Chair advised that should the amendment on option 2 be approved, the Chair would also share any further information and updates on the project with all Committee Members.

On being put to the vote, the amendment on option 2 was CARRIED unanimously.

The Committee then RESOLVED (unanimously);

2.      To provide Officers with a preferred option to progress - option 2 as amended:

                    i.            To continue with the project but on a reduced scale – Remove Area 3 from the project – no burials within the SNCI area. Only proceed with Area 1 expansion.

                  ii.            The current plans require the attenuation pond to be formed within the SNCI. However, officers will prioritise investigating alternative drainage solutions that do not rely on systems running through the SNCI. They will consider all mitigation options, and no final decisions regarding drainage infrastructure will be made without thorough assessment of the environmental impact and the feasibility of alternatives. Deliver approximately 870 standard coffin burial plots, 800 Cremated Remains Plots and 260 Baby Burial Plots in 2025. Provides forecasted provision for up to 10 years.

                iii.            Additionally, set up a member task and finish group to determine the midand long term future of Bristol’s burial provision.

As a result of option 2 being approved as amended, the Chair confirmed that option 3 fell and did not need to be voted on.

The Chair then moved recommendation 3 as set out in the report. Cllr Clarke seconded the motion.

The Committee RESOLVED (unanimously);

3.      To authorise the Executive Director Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee to take all steps required to progress the preferred option including procuring and awarding contracts over the key decision threshold.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:09pm.

The meeting was reconvened at 12:25pm.