Four companies have requested that the High Court quash a compulsory purchase order, made by Bristol City Council, that could allow the council to purchase Arnos Vale Cemetery for as little as £1.
The local authority made the order in April 2001, claiming that the 166-year-old, 45 acre cemetery was a haven for wildlife and contains graves of historic and architectural importance. The order was approved at a public inquiry in May 2002, and was upheld by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott in October.
CEO Tony Towner, who represents the companies that control the cemetery, Arnos Vale Cemetery Ltd, Arnos Village plc, Bristol General Cemetery Co and Callmead Corporate Services plc, is now claiming that Prescott’s decision to approve the order was legally flawed.
If the council do gain control of the site, they could spend as much as £5m on its renovation and upkeep.
References: PLS News 3/4/03
