Plans for 160 homes and new use for Cold War nuclear bunker approved

Plans to demolish vacant offices, build 160 homes and bring a Cold War nuclear bunker back into use have been approved.

Bristol city councillors granted permission unanimously on the advice of officers after hearing the outline proposals to redevelop the former DWP buildings and driving test centre in Flowers Hill, Brislington, met all planning policies and had received no objections.

A key part of the scheme by London property company Telereal Trillium is to breathe new life into the neglected Grade II listed Bristol War Room by giving it a community or commercial use, development control committee members heard.

An aerial photo of the ex-DWP offices and driving test centre site in Flowers Hill – image: Roberts Limbrick Architects/ Telereal Trillium

The shelter was built in 1953 to “protect the functions of regional government from the atomic bomb and to coordinate civil defence”, a report to councillors said.

It said: “The proposed uses for the War Room, in principle, are acceptable for the listed building.

“The most significant concern in relation to the War Room is the wider site and masterplan achieving an appropriate layout, scale and appearance so that the historic setting isn’t compromised.

“The building will need to be properly integrated within the overall development and not relegated to a back corner where it could become forgotten and a target for antisocial behaviour.

“The retention of the War Room for employment purposes, as either a commercial or community use, would overall be beneficial as it would retain some job opportunities in the area.”

A planning officer told the City Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 16, that these details would be agreed at a later date because the outline application was to determine only the site’s access at this stage.

He said nine per cent of the homes would be classed as affordable, which was the amount required when vacant buildings were redeveloped in the area.

Brislington West ward Lib Dem councillor Andrew Varney told members the plans made good use of a brownfield site and that the developers had taken on the community’s suggestion for a footpath and cycleway linking Flowers Hill and Hungerford Road, which requires a separate planning application.

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Read more: The top secret nuclear bunker behind Brislington back gardens 

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Committee chairman Tory councillor for Bishopsworth Richard Eddy said: “This is policy compliant, it meets every need.

“I’m delighted to see the War Room refurbished and used. We are going to see additional public access and we will see that cycleway, which is all positive.

“Not one person has opposed, and 160 affordable homes in Brislington has got to be good news.”

Green councillor for Windmill Hill Ed Plowden said: “There is a lot to like about this. The only disappointing thing is nine per cent affordable housing seems low, although I know that’s policy.

“I would like to see the applicants doing better because nine per cent is scraping past the bare minimum affordability and seems a pity.”

Labour councillor for St George Central Steve Pearce said: “All of my concerns have been addressed. I’m pleased to see housing in Brislington.”

Main photo: Roberts Limbrick Architects/ Telereal Trillium

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