Plans will be unveiled in June
11:56, 11 Apr 2025Updated 11:59, 11 Apr 2025
Liveable Neighbourhoods have been controversial(Image: John Wimperis)
Plans for a second ‘liveable neighbourhood’ trial in Bristol are set to be unveiled in June, with council bosses launching a consultation on the proposals simultaneously.
The progress of the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood has been held back due to the ‘purdah’ period preceding the May 1 local elections for the West of England metro mayor position.
But Bristol Live has learned that as soon as the election period concludes, Bristol City Council will recommence the process of creating a Liveable Neighbourhood south of the river.
The initial step will be the release of an ‘engagement report’, outlining the feedback from hundreds of residents who participated in a comprehensive consultation programme in the summer and autumn of 2024. Bristol Live readers are split on the pros and cons of the project.
Numerous drop-in sessions were attended by hundreds of people across the area in question, which encompasses most of the BS3 postcode and extends from Ashton Vale in the west to Windmill Hill in the east, including Bedminster, Southville, Ashton and Ashton Gate. These consultation sessions were unique, at least for Bristol City Council, as they did not involve council officers or councillors presenting any proposals or plans for residents to react to.
Instead, individuals were encouraged to share their thoughts on an interactive map, identifying areas where improvements could be made. This resulted in thousands of entries from hundreds of people, many of whom highlighted locations where crossing the road is problematic, parking is difficult, and driver behaviour is concerning.
However, it won’t be until June when the city council unveils its detailed plans for what the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood will physically look like. A formal and legal consultation will be put in place, providing residents with another chance to have their say.
Commenter Torycookedsock thinks: “I use North Street most days. If they close off lots of roads then it will make it too difficult to patronise the businesses so we will go elsewhere. I suppose the council will deem that a success but not for business.”
Waltertower says: “Barton Hill and Redfield residents are currently suffering due to the Bristol East Scheme. If this madness spreads south of the river only then will the people with “Green Tinted Glasses” realise what the BS5 residents are suffering. Due to Water Main work this week, Park Street will be closed one-way (up) and will give Bristolians a taste of what lies in the future if the Green Party gets more control of what happens in the city!”
Robofbristol agrees: “Bristol City Council, buoyed up by their recent failure with the East Bristol Low Traffic Neighbourhood, is now seeking to inflict the same misery on another area of Bristol. Citizens of Bristol should realise these measures erode the freedom of everybody and not just those who happen to have the misfortune to live in the areas BCC wishes to blight. It will be interesting to see what happens to the long-term property values of private dwellings within these areas compared with those where free movement is allowed.”
Kaylon64 replies: “What failure?! It’s up & running, free movement is still permitted!”
Paul-W agrees: “The trial for an East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood has not yet been fully implemented, and none of the new Bus Gates are yet in operation. It has not eroded any freedoms, residents can still drive to every home in the trial area, but already streets are much quieter with most through traffic now keeping to the main roads.”
Thinksclearzooms adds: “Liveable neighbourhoods are safe, healthy, inclusive, and attractive places where everyone can breathe clean air, have access to better quality green spaces and safe spaces to play, and feel a part of a community.”
Downtowngirl is not convinced: “Surely the council can see how residents feel about these ‘liveable neighbourhoods’ as they had to sneak in during the night for the East Bristol LTN to avoid protesters against these schemes. Some cities have already reverted back to normal as they found in some areas these did not work! It just puts pressure on the surrounding areas.”
Jabbymisschief agrees: “The trial period for EBLN is almost up (5+ months now) and it has clearly failed. Fire engines unable to get through, hugely increased difficulties for disabled people trying to access the health centre, small shops and businesses suffering and the bus service is a sham.”
Sliceoflife points out: “But it is working in East Bristol. Emergency vehicles can get in, everyone can get to work and to their homes and traffic is reducing. It has only been fully implemented for about a week so give it time. Personally I would support it in South Bristol too.”
Ajlou says: “If I lived there I would be getting a petition up and running now before it even starts!”
How would you feel about proposals for a second ‘liveable neighbourhood’ trial in Bristol? Let us know in our comments section.