Locals have said nobody knows what’s going onNews
Katie Oborn GAU Writer
11:07, 13 May 2025Updated 11:08, 13 May 2025
Bristol residents were shocked when tall blue walls appeared in a carpark area (Image: Google Maps )
Bristol residents are calling for an investigation into the closure of part of the car park at a shopping centre.
The area was cordoned off last month and blue walls were erected at the site, locals have said no-one seems to know what’s happening or why the walls were put up.
Residents were left confused and angry when the tall blue walls appeared at the Co-op Canford Lane car park in Westbury-on-Trym (on April 14). It’s understood that many residents have complained to Bristol City Council over potential breaches to planning rules at the site.
Some locals raised concerns at the shopping centre car park being in a conservation area. Business owners in the vicinity told BBC that they have seen a drop in sales since the changes have been made to the carpark area.
The land is owned by London property agent Cyril Leonard, the landowner told BBC that the closure was in place “while the potential for a partial redevelopment of the site is explored”. The agent added that “parking would still be available” on the site, but residents in the area want to know exactly what’s going on.
On social media, one local asked “what’s going on with the carpark behind Co-op in Westbury-on-Trym?” Another replied on the Facebook thread, writing: “Nobody knows, not even the shop owners.”
Speculation continued, with another poster writing: “Looking at the council planning permission section, I think it could be a G5 mast that they’ve been arguing over. Other locations were denied.”
It’s understood that Bristol North West MP, Darren Jones has contacted the council to urgently demand more information on the issue. Residents have expressed being distressed at the changes which have affected parking convenience.
In a statement, the developer Mr Leonard told BBC that there were “no firm plans in place”. Mr Leonard added that he was “committed to keeping the community informed as plans develop”, however, many residents are fuming and feel they’ve been left “in the dark”.
BristolLive has contacted Bristol City Council for comment on the situation.