Southampton Airport and Council Unveil Mitigation Plan for South Stoneham Cemetery Tree Management

Southampton City Council and Southampton International Airport Ltd have agreed a comprehensive package of mitigation measures as part of proposed tree management works at South Stoneham Cemetery, paving the way for a licence to be granted that will allow the works to begin in the coming weeks.

The agreement follows a review by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which identified a number of trees within the cemetery that required either felling or height reduction for operational safety reasons.

The airport submitted proposals to the council in July 2025 outlining the necessary tree works. Since then, airport representatives have been working closely with the council and local residents to ensure that the sensitive nature of the site — which holds significant local and historical importance — is respected throughout the process.

Following extensive discussions, the airport has now agreed to a range of environmental and community improvements designed to offset the impact of the required tree management.

Comprehensive Mitigation Measures

Under the agreed package, Southampton Airport will fund the planting of 76 new trees to replace the 19 trees that need to be removed for safety and operational reasons. This includes 31 new trees of appropriate species within South Stoneham Cemetery itself and a further 45 trees around Bassett Green Road and Leaside Way.

The airport will also deliver habitat enhancements within the cemetery, including the creation of a new wildlife corridor with native hedgerow planting along the northeast boundary. Additional native hedgerows, holly planting, and bat boxes will be installed along the eastern edge to encourage biodiversity.

As part of the wider agreement, the airport has also committed to refurbishing several facilities within the cemetery grounds — including the Cemetery Chapel, Book of Remembrance room, Garden of Remembrance and Pond, and the cemetery toilet block.

In addition, improvements will be made to the nearby allotment area, including upgrades to the car park, installation of new taps, and construction of a new toilet facility.

Next Steps

Once the licence is formally approved, tree management works will begin as the first phase of the project, followed by the delivery of the agreed mitigation and enhancement works. Signs will be displayed within South Stoneham Cemetery detailing work dates and times to keep visitors informed.

Airport and Council Statements

Gavin Williams, Managing Director at Southampton Airport, said:

“We’re grateful to the local community for taking the time to engage with us and share their views on the proposals.

“Working closely with the council, we’ve agreed a comprehensive package of mitigation measures that not only address the safety requirements identified by the Civil Aviation Authority but also enhance the biodiversity and facilities in and around South Stoneham Cemetery.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the council as we deliver these improvements.”

Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Southampton City Council, added:

“I am very appreciative of the willingness of local people to engage with the airport about the proposals for both the tree management and the considerable mitigation works that the airport have agreed to provide and would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication to Southampton.

“Southampton Airport is a key local employer and service provider and the tree management plan together with the replacement planting, habitat enhancements and improvements to the cemetery and allotments offers a balanced resolution which supports local businesses, communities and our green spaces.”