News / Housing
Locals object in their hundreds to development with zero affordable homes
Plans to convert the former Elizabeth Shaw chocolate factory in Easton into new homes has triggered more than 500 public objections from locals amid concerns over the lack of affordable housing.
Developers Generator South West want to build 138 new homes made up of 91 flats and 47 new houses on the site which runs along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path in Greenbank.
Their planning application became closed to public comments on Monday and is now pending consideration at the city council. A date has not yet been set for councillors to vote on the proposals.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol24/7 revealed in February the plans included no provision for affordable housing – in breach of the council’s policy of 40 per cent for “Inner East Bristol”.
Among the 500-plus public comments submitted was an objection from Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire, who says: “I note that there have been an extremely high number of public comments on this application, which demonstrates the strength of feeling around this application and what it represents.
“This neighbourhood is experiencing the highest increases in housing costs in Bristol (30 per cent in the last year alone).
“We desperately need more affordable housing and developers have a duty to make a contribution. I find it difficult to believe that any provision for affordable housing would make this development unviable. If no contribution can be secured I do not believe the proposal should gain approval.”
Local tenants’ rights campaign group Acorn have also been running a campaign – including a petition – to provide more affordable homes on the site.
The plans come as Bristol recorded the highest rent rises in the country last year, and the BS5 area – where the chocolate factory lies – recorded some of the highest house price rises in the city.
It also comes following an investigation by Bristol24/7 which revealed that two thirds of all applications for major developments are being approved under the council’s target for affordable homes – with a quarter being approved with no affordable housing at all.
Property developers can bypass the council’s affordable housing policy if they can prove the project would not be economically ‘viable’ with discount homes included.
Generator South West say their development is on the fringes of viability due to a complex build which includes removing asbestos and retaining key buildings on the site.
In a statement it added: “However, the scheme will make a significant financial contribution to local infrastructure through the Community Infrastructure Levy and deliver a wide range of much needed new homes for the city, from one bed apartments through to larger family homes.”