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Carriageworks developers queried on new plans
Developers of the Carriageworks and Westmoreland House faced further questions over affordable housing at a public meeting where they presented revised plans for new homes and shops in Stokes Croft.
Fifth Capital London agreed to increase public space and decrease the number of homes in the development following protests at the previous stage of the planning process.
But they were challenged again on Thursday night at a meeting organised by Carriageworks Action Group over their commitment to include just eight affordable houses out of 113.
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Marc Pennick, Fifth Capital’s director, said he was looking into options for more ways of providing social housing to the project.
Fifth Capital’s proposals for the site includes the restoration of the Grade II* listed Carriageworks building, commercial space within its arches, the demolition of Westmoreland House and new residential buildings behind.
Previous plans had gone in front of councillors in April with the recommendation that they should be passed.
But councillors voted to defer the decision, raising ten points which they wanted to be addressed by the developers.
The committee meeting took place in the shadow of a protest over fears the plans would not deliver enough affordable homes, public space or access through the Carriageworks to Stokes Croft.
Under no obligation to make changes, Fifth Capital London made a number of revisions which were presented at the public meeting on Thursday.
The new plans see a larger public courtyard with commercial properties surrounding it and access both from Stokes Croft and Ashley Road.
There are 113 homes instead of 118, 20 more bicycle parking spaces and one less car parking space.
However, a reduction in the total number of homes means some of the eight affordable houses may be at risk as the new plans are finalised.
Pennick said Fifth Capital was constrained by a 20 per cent profit margin, but added that he was “looking into” the possibility of social rent and shared ownership as other models of affordability.
“We are looking at ways of picking up the number of affordable housing on the site,” he said. “We have still got a way to go on this.”
Carriageworks Action Group is now urging residents to contribute their thoughts via its website before Fifth Capital finalises its plans which will be re-submitted them to the council to be opened up to official comments from the public.
A final decision will then be made by councillors at another committee meeting likely to take place late this summer.
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