Windmill Hill & Malago Community Planning Group (WHaM)

WHaM AGM at WHCA, Monday 24 February at 8:30pm. A new committee and plans for the future. Email whamalago@gmail.com by 17 February if you would like to be involved. Everyone welcome at the meeting too!

St Catherine’s – application refused!

The St Catherine’s Place (Plot 2) planning application for a major residential and commercial development was refused at the planning committee in City Hall on 22 January.

There were more than 60 written statements to the committee, including objections from local councillors Lucy Whittle and Jon Wellington. The planning officer’s report emphasised the design faults with the proposal – especially overshadowing of existing residents, lack of sunlight in the proposed block and lack of public amenity and play space. The councillors’ decision was also undoubtedly affected by the strength of community feeling – demonstrated by the 20+ statements read out in the committee.

WHaM is hoping that developers with other planning applications in the pipeline (including a2Dominion who were observing the meeting) will think again about their own proposals.

Malago Rd: application resubmitted

The Plot 1 application from a2Dominion, which was refused in September 2019, has been revised and resubmitted. The developers have also appealed against the refusal of the original application.

Planning officers recommended refusal because of density, design and potential flood risks.

The developers have reduced the height of the four blocks to 9 storeys with a total of 542 student bed spaces, opened up the Malago, allowed for a road widening scheme, created a small garden – and removed all the social housing! Completion is scheduled for the 2021 student intake.

The revised application will go to committee again in March 2020.

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. No committee date has been set to date.

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

Windmill Pub application

The owner of the Windmill is still trying to sell the pub as a going concern but has also made a planning application to convert the pub into five flats.

The application is likely to be decided in February 2020.

Meanwhile a group has been set up to pursue other options on behalf of the community (see Support rallies to save the Windy).

WHaM’s Community Plan

WHaM has responded to developers’ plans by detailing what the community would like to see in Bedminster Green based on our extensive 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.

WHaM has been supported by