Families with members interred at Highgate Cemetery have threatened to disinter their relatives in response to proposals for constructing a restroom facility on the historic burial site as part of an £18 million redevelopment of the UK’s most frequented cemetery.

Among the critics of the initiative are the family of actor Tim Pigott-Smith, who labeled the project—which also includes a new gardener’s hut—”horrific.”

Other grieving relatives, including the widow of sociologist Stuart Hall, have voiced their anger over what they perceive as a callous plan.

Tom Pigott-Smith, a violinist, expressed concern that the proposed restroom would be erected just two meters from his father’s grave, disturbing the peace of an area referred to as the mound. “We have submitted a request to exhume, as have several other families,” he noted. A family member who preferred to remain anonymous stated she is also ready to cover the £3,000 expense to exhume her husband and plans to seek reimbursement from the cemetery.

Anna Seifert-Speck is contemplating exhuming her husband, Simon Speck, a sociologist who passed away in 2019. “I’m seriously considering disinterring him. I intend to be buried there as well, and I refuse to be placed behind a wall. It will be over my dead body, quite literally.”

Pamela Miles, Pigott-Smith’s widow and an actress, described the proposed construction as a “horrific” disruption to a “beautifully serene place.” She shared that prior to Tim Pigott-Smith’s passing in 2017, they enjoyed visiting the cemetery after participating in charity readings there. “I purchased a double grave on the mound after my husband died, with the intention of joining him upon my own passing,” Miles remarked in her objection to Camden Council’s planning.

She continued, “Grief is a potent emotion that necessitates tranquility in a lovely setting. This proposal is an affront to grieving families.” Miles also criticized the cemetery’s owners for being “grossly underhanded” in neglecting to consult grave owners regarding the plans.

Catherine Hall, an emerita professor at University College London, stated she does not plan to exhume her husband’s remains but is “deeply troubled” by the planned building. “It’s dreadful, and it’s far too near to Stuart. This must be revised. I find it hard to believe Camden would approve this with such significant opposition.”

She added, “The construction would disturb the views, peace, and serenity so crucial to our ability to visit Stuart’s grave and mourn.”

Others opposed to the building argue it would taint the views from Karl Marx’s tomb. Sara Wood, the widow of architect Nicholas Wood, who died in 2021, characterized the proposed structure as an “urbanized box” with “prison-like windows.”

In her objection, she wrote: “The path from Karl Marx’s tomb will feature an intrusive shed that disrupts the landscape, and his burial site will lose its serene, isolated, historic appeal.”

The Friends of Highgate Cemetery (FHC), who manage the site, have agreed to revisit the specifics of the proposed construction; however, they assert that no alternative location exists.

Hall stated, “They claim to have considered every option, but have they really? I’m disappointed and upset by the trustees’ insensitivity towards the feelings of grave holders.”

FHC’s chief executive, Ian Dungavell, acknowledged the distress the proposal has caused and mentioned that revised plans for the gardener’s building—including altering the entrance and restricting public access to the restroom—would be discussed with grave owners during a meeting on June 3.

Nevertheless, he defended the chosen site for the building: “We wish we could place it elsewhere, but despite thorough investigation, we have not found an alternative.”

He added, “There are other buildings within the cemetery that are quite close to graves. These facilities are vital for the gardening team that maintains the entire 36-acre property.”

Dungavell admitted that grave owners should have been engaged sooner in the planning phase and attributed the oversight to issues with the cemetery’s database. However, he reiterated that those who oppose the plans still have an opportunity to sway the outcome.