Local residents said the surrounding streets already suffer from problematic parking
The former HSBC could become HMOs(Image: Oxford Architects)
Developers have refused permission for plans to replace an old bank on Gloucester Road with seven shared houses. In total 34 bedrooms would be built with zero parking spaces on the corner of Gloucester Road in Filton with Braemer Avenue, sparking a flurry of objections.
A lack of private living space and too many houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the area also led South Gloucestershire Council to deny a planning application for the site, which used to be an HSBC branch. Councillors on the development management committee voted to refuse permission on Thursday, March 5, questioning the quality of life future residents would enjoy.
They also heard from local residents who said that parking pressures on the surrounding streets have become worse with the proliferation of HMOs in the area. But developers defended their plans, saying the site was served by a range of public transport options and cycling links too.
Ian Prowse, a neighbour, said: “The area has constant issues with parking on double yellow lines, the pavement and blocking residents’ driveways. Bin lorries have regular issues with accessing Braemer Crescent and resort to reversing and circling around to service the rest of the street. Similar issues have been experienced by local residents with larger cars.”
However he added the area needs new housing and welcomed the empty building getting redeveloped, “but not in the proposed form”. The plans also include a bin and bicycle store, and keeping commercial space on the ground floor, potentially for a new shop to open.
Dafydd Gwilym, a planning agent representing the developers, said: “It will deliver much-needed housing to the local area, making efficient use of a vacant, brownfield site in a prominent location. The scheme does not erode existing family housing stock … rather, it could free up existing HMOs to be turned back into family houses.”
He also said that a parking survey showed surrounding streets had “sufficient capacity” to cater for the new residents living in the proposed flats. But this failed to convince councillors, who also raised concerns about how potential tenants would have to share their toilets with strangers. On average there would be one toilet for every two tenants living in the block, and fewer showers.
To see all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your area, enter your postcode below or visit the Public Notice Portal HERE
Conservative Councillor Paul Hughes said: “Even in our prisons these days, prisoners have their own bathroom. I just don’t get this business of forcing a load of people into very cramped conditions, and they haven’t got enough amenity space for bathing, showering and going to the toilet. I’m just flabbergasted that we’re allowing this kind of stuff to take place.”
The council’s rules however state that there only needs to be one toilet for every five tenants. The committee voted to refuse permission because of the high concentration of HMOs in the area, a lack of private living space for residents, and the problems with the parking on surrounding streets.