News / redfield

Demolition of former funeral parlour is now illegal

By Martin Booth  Friday May 19, 2023

A historic building under threat of demolition has received a last-minute reprieve from the wrecking ball.

Notices have been attached to the former Co-op Funeral Parlour and Chapel of Rest on Church Road in Redfield informing the building’s owners that any demolition or alteration would be illegal.

The building, which dates from 1957, has recently been squatted, with a planning applications for its demolition and 74 flats built on the site.

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The Know Your Place website says that the building “is an interesting design for the era, produced by the Co-Op’s own architecture department”.

The former funeral parlour is on the city council’s local list of valued buildings, a list of buildings, structures and sites that do not already have listed status but are worth preserving because of their quality, style or historical importance.

The original designs for the funeral parlour from 1957 – image: Bristol City Council

The owner of the building is Redfield Land Bristol Ltd, a company whose registered office address is in Failand.

The company’s one director listed on Companies House is Ranbir Singh Litt.

The former funeral parlour is a Church Road landmark – photo: Martin Booth

A Historic England spokesperson told Bristol24/7: “We have been assessing the 1950s Co-Op Funeral Parlour and Chapel of Rest in Bristol for listing following a request prompted by proposals for its demolition and redevelopment.

“Bristol City Council has today (Thursday) issued a Building Preservation Notice, enabling Historic England the time to fully assess it.

“If the building is altered or demolished during this time, it would be unlawful. We are making contact with the owner for access to the building.”

The building has recently been squatted – photo: Martin Booth

Main photo: Martin Booth

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