This week’s list of notable planning applications made to the city council
Co-op Little Pioneers(Image: Co Op Little Pioneers )
Upgrades are planned for a Grade-I listed building described as a “seminal work of Brunel” according to new plans recently submitted. Each week Bristol City Council receives dozens of planning applications seeking permission for a whole range of developments.
Over the past seven days, those applications also included a giant billboard in Easton and chopping down a dangerous cherry tree. Here’s this week’s round-up of notable planning applications submitted to the council.
Every week dozens are validated by the local authority and we have selected some of the more interesting proposals. All planning applications submitted to the council have to be validated and are available for inspection by the public. Anyone is also allowed to submit comments about the applications — whether in support or objection.
The majority of applications are decided by planning officers at the council under delegated powers. However, some will go before elected councillors who sit on planning committees. No dates have been set for when the planning applications below will be determined. They can be viewed by going to the planning portal on Bristol City Council’s website.
Upgrades on Grade-I listed ‘seminal work of Brunel’
A new fibre internet line will be installed on a building described as a “seminal work of Brunel”. The building is on the corner of Station Approach and Temple Gate and is currently home to the Co-op Little Pioneers Nursery. The upgraded broadband connection is needed to “improve the site’s digital infrastructure and ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the nursery”.
The property was formerly known as the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum and is a section of the original Bristol Old Station. A fibre optic cable would be installed to an existing access point or window, connecting to internal equipment. The nursery needs faster internet access for things like staff training, data management and compliance reporting.
In planning documents, architects said: “Unfortunately, the thick walls of the Brunel Engine Shed significantly impede internet signal transmission within the building, resulting in compromised connectivity. The current limitation also affects essential external communications with colleagues and parents or guardians.”
The building was the original terminus station of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Great Western Railway and construction was finished in 1841. The train station was later expanded several times. Because of its historical significance, changes as small as a new broadband cable have to be carefully scrutinised by experts to avoid unintentional damage of the important building.
Giant billboard in Easton
A giant billboard could be put back up in Easton. Wildstone Group, an advertising company, is applying for planning permission to install a 48-sheet paper advertisement at the junction of Stapleton Road and Fishponds Road. There used to be another billboard on the site, which was removed in May 2023. The billboard wouldn’t be illuminated, unlike lots of new ones being built.
In planning documents, the applicants said: “Advertising is a common feature in town centres and adjacent to major roads across the country. Although the sign will attract attention, as all signs are designed to do, it is not considered that the display would cause a confusing effect to highway users or severe harm.”
Chopping down dangerous cherry tree
A dangerous cherry tree in Clifton could soon be chopped down. The tree is located on Codrington Place but its branches have either already fallen off, are dead or dying. The trunk has split, so the canopy above is poorly supported, creating a risk of injuring somebody.
In planning documents, applicants said: “If the canopy were to fall in the most likely direction, peeling away from the main stem, then the top of the canopy is likely to hit the back of the property, which would damage a glass covered porch area, a mature fig tree, and could cause personal injury.”
Popular Greek restaurant relocating
A popular Greek restaurant in Redcliffe is relocating. Sousta’s former home on Clarence Road has been demolished, but the team has applied for planning permission to refit a unit on Lower Guinea Street instead, next to the Bathurst Basin. The unit is on the ground floor of the grand General building, which used to be a hospital, where acclaimed restaurant Casamia used to be.