Six alternative sites were considered for a new cemetery in Bristol as the city is running out of burial space. In 2024 Bristol City Council controversially agreed to expand South Bristol Cemetery onto nearby farmland.
A response to a freedom of information request has revealed the six other locations elsewhere that were also explored, but then discounted. Councillors previously requested this information, however details had not been made publicly available, until now.
The sites were in Avonmouth, Lawrence Weston, Horfield, Eastville and Southmead. Council bosses assessed if they were suitable for becoming a cemetery between 2020 and 2022, but they were found to have a range of issues such as transport access and “community use value”.
Instead, the council initially proposed expanding South Bristol Cemetery onto meadows used by Yew Tree Farm, the last working farm in the city. This prompted outrage and that plan has now been rolled back, although a threat remains as potential drainage options remain unresolved.
The first site was on agricultural land in Avonmouth, covering a massive 135 hectares between the M49 motorway, Severn Road and a railway line. This was discounted due to groundwater levels, and the many drains and watercourses running through the area.
The second site was in Lawrence Weston, covering 30 hectares next to Kings Weston Lane and the M5 motorway. The former Longs Cross tip operated during the 1960s and 70s, and received a mix of domestic and industrial waste from Avonmouth, including chemicals and “mildly radioactive wastes”. Ground gases are also present.
The third site was also in Lawrence Weston, covering seven hectares on meadows next to Kings Weston Road and Fernhill Lane. This one was taken forward for further feasibility study, but was discounted due to damage to ecology and poor public transport links.
Drainage issues were also present, and an attenuation pond would need to be found. However, all of these issues were also present at Yew Tree Farm, and both are designated as sites of nature conservation interest. The Yew Tree Farm option was only discounted after a massive public backlash.
The fourth site was in Badock’s Wood in Southmead, covering six hectares in part of Bowness Gardens. As well as groundwater issues, the site has archaeological interest including the Southmead Round Barrow, which is a protected ancient monument dating from the early Bronze Age. The site also has a “high community value” and is a local nature reserve.
The fifth site was the Muller Road playing fields in Horfield. Covering 4.5 hectares, the site has “high community use value”. The sixth site was Eastville Park and Wickham Glen, covering 35 hectares. This too was considered to have “high community use value”, and so was discounted.
In October, councillors on the public health and communities policy committee agreed on a compromise expansion plan for South Bristol Cemetery. The cemetery will expand onto land not used by Yew Tree Farm, and the council will explore alternative options for drainage after fears that a giant storm drain on the farm would pollute Colliter’s Brook, harming wildlife there.