The developers behind plans to build 555 new homes on the outskirts of Bristol will aim to submit detailed plans this summer. Bellway wants to create a new “environmentally sensitive 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, right on the city boundary with Bath and North East Somerset. The housebuilder is proposing a new development, just off 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-build homes.
The 38 hectare site is earmarked for housing in the new Bristol Local Plan, which the council recently submitted to the Minister for consideration. A Bellway spokesperson said that, subject to plans approval, Bellway hopes to submit detailed plans relating to 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 is overseeing early long-term developments for Bellway, also launched a public consultation process on Friday (May 17) and will end on June 14. Fergus Thomas, Strategic Land Director (Central) for Bellway, said: “Our plans would see us take a site traditionally used for quarrying and coal mining and, following land remediation, transform it into a brand new community that will provide a will bring many benefits to the area.
“We want to know what people think of the plans. 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 the city faces.”
Bellway Strategic Land has established a number of key principles for the project, namely:
- Benefit both residents and the natural environment through a landscape-oriented approach, including planting new trees and creating meadows and wetlands
- Prioritize walking, cycling and public transport use and support wider improvements to the A4 Bath Road
- Work with local organizations to deliver tangible benefits, including a new community center
- Build sustainably, with energy-efficient design and new technologies
People can find out more about the plans on the dedicated project website, where they can also have their say and comment on an interactive map of the area. Comments and questions are also possible via e-mail, 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 homes in Bristol is urgent, with 19,000 people currently on the council’s housing waiting list. Due to this increased demand for homes, Bristol is the most expensive city to rent outside London, according to the council.
“If we delivered this council-zoned site for housing, we could deliver much-needed homes for the private market and provide a significant number of affordable homes. This would allow local people who cannot afford to buy their own homes to find a new place in the area.
“The new development would be a walkable neighbourhood, with a new community hub and access to the adjacent park and ride facility, as well as a network of pedestrian and cycle paths to provide routes for pedestrians and cyclists into the city centre.
“There is a wealth of existing amenities within walking distance, including St Brendan’s Sixth Form College and the Oasis Academy, and shops and a gym at the nearby Brislington Retail Park, just half a mile away.”
For more information about the plans in Brislington and to have your say, visit this link.