News / Castle Park
Future of St Mary le Port site to be decided in Bristol not Westminster
A controversial new development on the corner of Castle Park is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Councillors at City Hall have already approved the scheme which would see three empty buildings around the tower of the former St Mary le Port church replaced with shops, restaurants and cafes on the ground floor of new office space on the floors above.
Bristol Civic Society requested that the secretary of state “call in” the proposals by MEPC and to hold an independent public inquiry to examine all aspects of the plans.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol’s medieval high cross used to stand on the crossroads of Corn Street, Broad Street, Wine Street and High Street – photo: Martin Booth
Developers say that “central to (their) plans is the creation of a place that combines Bristol’s vibrant contemporary culture with its rich history and heritage” – image: MEPC
But in a letter to the Civic Society, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities said that the application “should be determined at a local level”.
The letter said: “The Government remains committed to giving more power to councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues and believe that planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible.
“The call-in policy makes it clear that the power to call in a case will only be used very selectively.
“The Secretary of State has decided, having had regard to this policy, not to call in this application. He is satisfied that the application should be determined at a local level.
“I appreciate that this is not the preferred outcome for you, and I understand that there will be great disappointment as a result. It is, however, now for the Council to determine this application.”
St Mary le Port church will be hidden within the new development – image: MEPC
Main image: MEPC
Take a walk around some of the hidden corners of the Old City including St Mary le Port’s ruins with Martin Booth and Yuup: www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
Read next:
- Public inquiry could decide fate of controversial St Mary le Port scheme
- Bristol Bridge to see major redesign
- Three-quarters of people do not feel safe cycling in Bristol
- St Mary le Port development plans split opinion
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