Bristol City Council planning committee approved the outline planning application last Wednesday (22 April) by a majority of seven to two. The application was approved despite concerns, including an objection from Historic England, over its impact on heritage assets.

Set for a brownfield site divided by Dale Street and next to a multistorey car park for the Cabot Circus shopping centre, the scheme will see a part-10, part 28-storey tower erected on the west plot, while over the road on the east plot a two-storey 100m2 community hub will provide space for events and facilities.

Drawn up for Hammerson, the project will build on work the developer is already delivering at Cabot Circus, which includes new shops and leisure openings.

In a letter to Bristol City Council, Historic England argued that the proposal would see a ‘high degree of unjustified harm’ to the setting of the Grade I-listed terraces and St Paul’s Church in nearby Portland Square.

Planning officers and councillors concluded that this harm was justified in order to deliver the regeneration of the site and outweighed by the public benefits of student accommodation and employment space.

Visualisation of AHMM’s Cabot Gate development

Councillor Rob Bryher, chair of the planning committee, said: ‘The scheme is a very good one. There is an impact on heritage assets, but we already have a lot of tall buildings.

‘We need to enable development on this location, so I am going to reluctantly support it.’

The application received 13 public objections and two supporting comments.

During the application process, AHMM modified its design to ensure a ‘positive contribution to the city skyline’, according to submitted documents. The crown of the tower was shaped into a cut-back layered façade, a move intended to soften the silhouette and reduce perceived bulk at a distance.

Alongside the community centre, other public improvements include new green spaces and upgrades to pedestrian and cycle routes linking the site with the city centre.

Jonatan Carlring, development director at Hammerson, said: ‘Securing outline planning consent for Cabot Gate is a significant milestone for this important city-centre site.

‘We have worked closely with Bristol City Council and the local community to bring forward proposals that improve connectivity, create high-quality public spaces and deliver much‑needed accommodation, while enhancing the arrival experience into Bristol.’

Following approval of the outline application, the development remains subject to detailed design and reserved matters submissions.