Windmill Hill & Malago Community Planning Group (WHaM)

Sign up to make a statement!

Our public meeting on 24 June focused on how to make a statement to a planning committee. Cllrs Jon Wellington and Lucy Whittle came along to give advice.

Three Bedminster Green planning applications are poised to go to committee (see below). Once the committee dates are revealed WHaM wants everyone to submit a written statement and, ideally, make a one-minute statement at the meeting.

Going along in person can really make a difference. We’ll email further details to everyone who signs up!

St Catherine’s planning application

This will be the view from Alfred Rd if Firmstone‘s latest planning application goes ahead.

The proposed major retail, residential and commercial development is next to the refurbished block on St Catherine’s Place (Plot 2).

The application includes no affordable housing – it does however contain a 3-screen Scott cinema! There have been over 200 objections from local residents already.

Little Paradise planning application

Dandara has made a planning application for Plot 4 (Stafford St and Little Paradise). Proposals include 329 flats for rent to private tenants, a gym, a concierge and residents lounge. The height of the blocks ranges from 4 to 17 storeys.

A small percentage of the 69 studio flats, 171 1-bed flats and 90 2-bed flats will be offered at ‘Affordable Private Rent’ (20% below market rent). Eighty-four parking spaces and 358 cycle spaces are included.

Dandara is also working on high-rise housing plans for Plot 5, the Council-owned plot next to the station.

Malago Rd planning application

a2Dominion now own Plot 1 (Malago Rd). The self-described ‘residential property group with a social purpose’ has submitted a planning application for homes for social rent and student accommodation (in collaboration with the University of Bristol).

Original proposals include accommodation for 550 students in six blocks (8 to 10 storeys) and 49 units of affordable housing (100% social rented) in a further block (10 storeys rising to 12 storeys). Recent revisions lop two metres off the height of the tallest block – and reduce the number of social rented flats to 40. Completion is scheduled for the 2021 student intake.

Arup brought in to help planning

The Council’s planning department can’t cope with the rush of developers wanting to cover Bristol in high-rise blocks and have recently contracted Arup to “process a range of planning applications and associated work within reasonable timescales“.

WHaM’s response to Local Plan consultation

The Local Plan contains proposals for Bristol’s development over the next 20 years, including planning policy for homes, jobs and open spaces. Site allocations for development are detailed at ward level. WHaM has submitted a response to the latest draft.

WHaM’s response to developers

As well as commenting on planning applications, attending meetings and keeping the community informed, WHaM has responded to developers with a Planning Brief, based on extensive community consultation:

What is WHaM?

  • WHaM is an open-membership group which provides a platform for residents, developers, Bristol City Council and other stakeholders to discuss planning proposals for the area. We are part of the Neighbourhood Planning Network.
  • WHaM welcomes development that prioritises community needs – we want to create a neighbourhood we can all feel positive about.
  • WHaM’s current priority is consulting on proposals for developments in the Bedminster Green framework area.

Find out who to contact with your views and how to get involved with WHaM.

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