Windmill Hill & Malago Community Planning Group (WHaM)

a2Dominion consultation now online

Rollo Homes has sold Plot 1 (the Pring site) to a2Dominion. The self-described ‘residential property group with a social purpose’ has new plans which include student accommodation (in collaboration with the University of Bristol), homes for social rent and shared ownership accommodation. The 600+ flats will be in four separate high-rise blocks and include a mix of 1, 2 and (some) 3-bed homes.

A planning application is expected in December 2018: completion is scheduled for the 2021 student intake. Draft plans are now available online and initial comments can be made until Wednesday 12 December (WHaM hopes to get this deadline extended).

Framework consultation now online

A draft framework for the whole of Bedminster Green has finally been produced. Nash Partnership held two drop-in consultation events in December.

The framework sets out the principles for a new urban environment in the area. It is scheduled for approval at a BCC meeting in March 2019 and must be agreed before planning applications for each site are considered.

The draft framework is available online to 13 January 2019.

Agreeing the right framework is vital for the future of Bedminster Green so look at the proposals and send comments!

200+ objections to 22-storey block

This will be the view from Alfred Rd if developers’ latest planning application goes ahead.

Firmstone has put in a planning application for a major retail, residential and commercial development in several new blocks next to the refurbished block on St Catherine’s Place (Plot 2).

The application includes no affordable housing and has been made before the draft framework is agreed.

WHaM is co-ordinating a response – there have been over 200 objections from local residents already!

Dandara planning application expected

A planning application from Dandara for Plot 4 (Little Paradise) is expected in December 2018. Currently this includes a 16-storey block of 329 flats for rent and 84 car parking spaces. Dandara is also working with Urbis on high-rise housing plans for Plot 5, the Council-owned plot next to the station.

Urban Living SPD finalised

The final version of Urban Living was adopted by the Council in November 2018. Bedminster is named as an area with ‘significant potential for intensification’ and ‘optimising densities’.

Urban Living states that a tall building (10+ storeys) should not be located where it:

  • hides or masks the topography of the city
  • harms valued views from key vantage-points
  • has a detrimental impact on the city’s historic environment
  • has a significant negative impact on the amenity of nearby occupiers or on the public realm

Community reaction to the draft version was decisively against high-rise buildings but, although 37% of comments were from Bedminster residents, this is not reflected in the final document.

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.

 

WHaM has been supported by