'Oversized' memorials for brothers Willy and Michael Collins are 'not being ignored', says council leader
“I appreciate that residents may be frustrated by the length of time these matters can take to resolve”
The leader of Sheffield City Council says residents “frustrated” over a pair of oversized memorials erected at a city cemetery for two brothers “are not bring ignored”.
Disputes are ongoing over the erection of a colossal, 30-ton black marble structure at Shiregreen Cemetery in memory of Michael Collins last month and a similarly sized one installed for his brother, Willy, in 2022.
Despite discussions over the latest memorial unveiled in the cemtery, the lavish gravestone was not granted formal approval by the council before it was installed.
It was erected after a similarly sized 37-ton white marble memorial was built for Michael’s brother, Willy Collins, in March 2022 - which was granted permission, only for the installation to “differ significantly” from what planners signed off on.
The two memorials are the cause of considerable controversy in Sheffield, with the city council now faced with negotiating retroactive planning permission for two significant structures built without their express approval at a graveyard shared by thousands of families and mourners.
This month, a Star reader, who asked not to be named, wrote to Councillor Fran Belbin in frustration.
He wrote: “After several years, there has still been no information given to the Sheffield community about the outcome of the council taking further action in the Willy Collins dispute.
“We now have a similar situation with another monument ‘mysteriously’ erected for hos brother Michael Collins.
“I find it hard to believe that this 30-ton black marble edifice was erected without SCC knowledge and planning concent. If it was not, what action do SCC intend to take to rectify the matter?”
Now, the reader has shared a reply from theleader of the council, Fran Belbin, who seeks to assures the two cases “are not being ignored” - and acknowledges residents’ “frustration” with the situation.
It reads: “I appreciate that residents may be frustrated by the length of time these matters can take to resolve. However, neither case has been ignored and work continues towards appropriate and proportionate resolutions.
“I appreciate that many residents have strong views on both the Willy Collins memorial and, more recently, the Michael Collins memorial, and I understand the frustration that arises when matters remain unresolved for a long period.
“In relation to the Willy Collins memorial, the council remains aware that the memorial differs significantly from the structure originally approved.
“The matter has not been closed and continues to be kept under review.
“These cases are not always straightforward and can involve a range of legal, practical and financial considerations. While the Council has not pursued formal legal action to date, it has continued to consider the options available to it and to engage with those involved.
“Our preference, where possible, is to secure compliance and resolution through discussion and agreement.
“Turning to the Michael Collins memorial, the council had been engaged in discussions with the memorial mason regarding a proposed oversized memorial and had indicated that it was prepared to consider an application, subject to agreement on the final design and the appropriate fee.
“However, the memorial was erected before formal approval had been granted. We are now seeking a retrospective application and supporting information so that the memorial can be properly assessed against the cemetery regulations.
“Once that assessment is complete, we will determine whether approval can be granted, whether any changes are required and whether any further action is necessary.”
The leader added that the council’s bereavement team could do nothing to physically stop the memorials being built.
“Bereavement Services is a small team responsible for managing 16 cemeteries across the city,” she explained.
“While staff may become aware that works are taking place, they do not have powers to physically prevent memorials from being erected.
“Where memorials are installed without the necessary approval, the council must address the matter through the appropriate processes rather than through immediate intervention on site.”
Michael passed away at the age of 51 in December 2024, but his enormous headstone, surrounding sculptures and bench has only been erected in September 2026.
Willy Collins died in 2020 and his memorial was unveiled two years later.