New homes and commercial units to be built on ‘eyesore’ site

Revised plans to build new homes and commercial units on a derelict Redfield site have been given the seal of approval.

Studio Yaqub, architects based in Stapleton, have been granted permission to demolish the existing “eyesore” buildings at 66-70 Church Road, between Dove Lane and Cowper Street, and replace them with a mixed-use development.

Residents of neighbouring streets have raised concerns about the proposals, including fears the new buildings will be too “overbearing” and the impact on road safety and parking in the area – with no parking provision included. The plans received 14 objections initially and a further seven following consultation on the revised proposals.

Previous applications for the site have been refused but Bristol City Council officers considered the revised proposals to have adequately addressed issues with overlooking, height, mass and highway safety.

They stated the scheme is a “significant improvement” on those put forward before and one that would help with the delivery of housing in the city.

Members of a development control committee have unanimously approved the plans, deeming them to be a “big improvement” on the currently derelict site.

The derelict buildings currently at 66-70 Church Road were branded an “eyesore” – photo: Ellie Pipe

Welcoming the decision, Usman Yaqub, a director and fellow of CIAT of Studio Yaqub, said “We are thrilled that this scheme has been given the seal of approval by development committee following a detailed engagement with a range of stakeholders. It will undoubtedly bring high-quality residential and workspaces that are in great need.”

The scheme will comprise two ground floor retail units fronting onto Church Road and an office space that will be accessed via Dove Lane. There will be five new one, two and three-bedroom flats built, as well as three two-bedroom houses, all of which will be accessed via Dove Lane.

Supporting the application, Fabian Breckels, a Labour councillor for St George, Troopers Hill, said: “This site has been an eyesore since the late 90s, if not before. It’s been empty for so long, it’s a terrible eyesore.

“I know that the exact location isn’t exactly perfect but a lot of things in Bristol aren’t. I like the front of the building – it’s a big improvement on what’s there now.”

The scheme will see existing buildings at 66-70 Church Road demolished to make way for 13 new homes and commercial units – image: Studio Yaqub

A resident who objected to the “overbearing nature of the proposed properties” also argued it is “unrealistic to plan a development without dedicated parking in this area”.

Yaqub said the development will see “regeneration of a brownfield site” and that making it car-free will reinforce the 15-minute neighbourhood, adding that the location is close to Lawrence Hill Station, bus routes along Church Road and the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.

Proposals have recently been revealed for up to 250 new student flats at the empty site opposite 66-70 Church Road.

Main image: Studio Yaqub

Read next:

• Proposals for up to 250 student flats on Church Road unveiled
• Latest housing proposals for derelict Church Road eyesore
• Plans for former Wetherspoons on Church Road withdrawn 

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