Developers pursuing plans to build up to 555 new homes on the edge of Bristol are set to submit detailed plans this summer. Bellway wants to create a new “environmentally friendly community of up to 555 homes” on a site next to Brislington Park and Ride in Bristol.
The fields are located between Brislington Park and Ride and the former Wyevale Garden Center on the A4 Bath Road in Brislington, just on the city boundary with Bath and North East Somerset. The housebuilder is proposing a new neighborhood on the A4 Bath Road which would provide sustainable transport links, investment in local infrastructure and around 190 affordable homes, as well as the opportunity for community-led and self-built homes.
The 38-hectare site is earmarked for residential use in the new Bristol Local Plan, which the city council recently submitted to the Secretary of State for consideration. A spokesman for Bellway said that, subject to outline planning permission, Bellway hoped to submit detailed plans for the project to Bristol City Council in the summer of 2024 and begin the construction program in 2025 or 2026.
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Bellway Strategic Land, which oversees early, long-term developments for Bellway, also launched a public consultation process on Friday (May 17), which will conclude on June 14. Said Fergus Thomas, Strategic Land Director (Central) for Bellway: “Our plans involve us taking a site previously used for quarrying and coal mining and, following the redevelopment of the site, transforming it into a brand new community that will serve the will bring numerous benefits to the region.”
“We want to know what people think about the plans. The feedback will be used to influence the design of this new community. Bristol needs new homes. We are also aware of the environmental, climate change and ecological issues facing the city.”
Bellway Strategic Land has established some key principles for the project:
- Benefit both residents and the natural environment through a landscape-focused approach that includes planting new trees and creating meadows and wetlands
- Prioritize pedestrian, cyclist and public transport use and support wider improvements to the A4 Bath Road
- Collaborate with local organizations to deliver tangible benefits, including a new community hub
- Building sustainably, with energy-efficient design and new technologies
People can find out more about the plans, share their views and comment on an interactive map of the area on the dedicated project website. Comments and questions are also welcome by email, telephone or post.
Bellway is hosting a community drop-in event at the Hungerford Community Center and Social Club on Hungerford Road on Wednesday June 5 between 3pm and 7pm. People can meet the team, find out more and ask questions.
Fergus said: “The need for new housing in Bristol is urgent, with 19,000 people currently on the council’s housing waiting list. This increased demand for housing has made Bristol the most expensive city to rent outside of London, according to the city council.
“The delivery of this Housing Authority earmarked site would see us deliver much-needed housing to the private market and provide a significant number of affordable properties. This would enable local people who cannot afford to purchase a home to secure a new place to live in the area.
“The new development would be a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with a new community center and access to the adjacent park and ride facility, as well as a network of pedestrian and cycle paths to provide pedestrians and cyclists with routes into the city centre.
“Many existing amenities are within walking distance, including St Brendan’s Sixth Form College and Oasis Academy, as well as shops and a gym at the nearby Brislington Retail Park, just half a mile away.”
To find out more about the plans in Brislington and have your say, visit this link.