The former Bart Spices site in Bedminster has been left empty for years
Revised plans for 221 flats on the corner of York Road and St Luke’s Road in Bedminster
Bristol Live readers are unhappy to hear that developers have issued Bristol City Council with a stark choice: accept six extra affordable homes in a major housing scheme or face an expensive appeal. The former Bart Spices site, at the corner of York Road and St Luke’s Road in Bedminster, has stood empty for years despite approval for 221 flats, as Donard Homes seeks to cut the number of affordable units.
The firm blamed the reduced provision on planning delays, saying construction costs have surged, making Bristol the eighth most expensive city in the world to build in. Last month, councillors on the development control B committee were asked to agree to slash affordable homes from 66 to just 25. Instead, they instructed planning officers to reopen negotiations.
Talks have now led to a revised offer of 31 affordable flats — six more than before — but councillors must decide next week whether to accept the compromise or reject it. If refused, Donard Homes has warned it will launch an appeal. In a report prepared for Wednesday’s (August 27) meeting, the developer said it had contacted 50 housing associations to try to improve affordable housing provision, but “none were interested”. It added that the updated plans also include more fire escapes.
Planning officers, however, warned of ongoing concerns about quality. Many flats would have windows on only one side, creating “limited light levels”. They also said the 11-storey towers would block views of Totterdown’s colourful escarpment and “fail to integrate positively with the city skyline”.
Commenter Asmodeus feels: “What a dismal state of affairs, BCC is being strong-armed into accepting a cut of more than 50 per cent to the ‘affordable’ quota by the threat of a costly appeal which the developers may well win. This is for an ugly development with numerous negatives about it. The questionable quality of the flats involved make it doubtful that they will either easily sell at maximum market prices or rent at full market rents.”
Ron Young agrees: “Never forget either that developers have deeper pockets than the council and can afford an appeal several times over.”
Occultdetectiveuk adds: “I say let’s call their bluff and go to appeal, if only to inconvenience them.”
Table For Two complains: “This is an absolute joke. Developers promise ‘affordable’ housing but protection for profit margins is costed in. If the council is going to allow development then it should be legally binding. Every project I’ve seen has done this, it makes the process utterly debased.”
Inner thinks: “People need to stop blaming the council, their hands are tied by national legislation.”
Blackbeard83 agrees: “Planners can only do so much. The government wants as many homes built as possible no matter if they’re affordable or not. Bristol needs council housing, not endless unaffordable housing & land banking.”
Dbanderson thinks: “If the council wants cheap homes, they should pay for them from start to finish. Businesses with share holders, owners and risk should not give their products away. People are buying the houses that are available whatever the price, the money is there. Houses don’t need to be cheaper.”
Jake123456 replies: “Remember we have a housing and a cost of living crisis. People can’t afford to save money to buy a home, so the priority is on affordable housing? If you agree with that then we should reject any and all planning unless it’s 100% affordable housing. There are numerous Housing Associations out there who build in Bristol, it’s entirely possible and so private developers shouldn’t be given the opportunity to build them?”
Painedawg complains: “The skyline of Bristol is slowly being destroyed. Look at the houses by the river on Bath road. They have spoiled a lovely view of Upper Totterdown, stop coining it and preserve the city’s character.”
Do you think Bristol should accept fewer affordable homes or fight the developers in court? Have your say in our comments section.