A lawyer has sent a warning shot across the bows of the councillors on Bristol City Council ’s planning committee, warning that they face a judicial review if they go ahead and approve plans for what would be South Bristol’s tallest-ever building.
Councillors initially gave approval to the plans for a 23-storey tower block housing 400 students earlier this year, after being warned by the council’s planning officers that the council could face a £1 million legal bill if they refused it and then lost an appeal.
But now, a lawyer hired by local residents has warned councillors that if they approve it the council could face a hefty legal bill because there are grounds for a judicial review.
People living in Windmill Hill and Bedminster have raised thousands of pounds to engage a planning expert barrister, and ahead of a key planning meeting tomorrow, Wednesday April 22, he has warned councillors that they face a legal battle whatever the decision.
“My clients remain concerned that the committee is being asked to determine the application in circumstances where key matters have not been satisfactorily resolved, and where there is a real risk that any decision to grant permission would be vulnerable to challenge by way of judicial review,” said Simon Bell, from Cornerstone Barristers, in a letter to councillors on the planning committee.
The plan is to demolish industrial units either side of New Queen Street, off Princess Street in Bedminster, and build a series of four tower blocks, with 434 build-to-rent flats and a 23-storey building for 400 students.
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The tower blocks would be so high they would be prominent in front of what locals describe as the ‘best view in Bristol’, from Victoria Park.
Councillors initially said they wanted to refuse the plan at the first meeting this year back in January, but then in March voted to give it permission after planning officers said the reasons to refuse it weren’t strong enough and the council risked losing an appeal and having to pay up to £1 million in legal fees.
The proposed Princess Street development as seen from Victoria Park(Image: Liz Lake Associates)
But Mr Bell has told councillors that there are strong enough reasons – including the lack of confirmation about funding for healthcare provision, affordable housing and other parts of the development – and there would be grounds for local residents to take the council to the High Court.
“My clients consider that each gives rise to a potential ground for judicial review should a grant of permission be issued,” he told councillors. “Given the importance of this proposed development and the adverse impact it would have on the local area, my clients are prepared to bring such a claim if needs be.
“Should such a claim be successful, then they will seek to recover their costs from the Local Planning Authority,” he added.
Residents out in force at Victoria Park in Bristol, Tuesday 24 March 2026 as they oppose a new 22 floor tower block which has been granted planning permission. This, in their opinion, will blight the skyline view from the park.(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
“In those circumstances, my clients respectfully invite members to reconsider the position at the forthcoming meeting, and in particular to consider whether it is appropriate to grant permission at this stage,” he added.
Councillors meet at City Hall on Wednesday, April 22, to consider the application for a third time.