Residents criticise plans for more than 200 new flats with ‘car-free ethos’

More than 200 new build-to-let flats could be constructed in Bedminster by the same company responsible for the regeneration of the Carriageworks on Stokes Croft.

Plans submitted by the PG Group are for two apartment blocks up to ten storeys high at Sheene Way, the site of the former Selco builders merchants.

Developers say that the designs have been changed to reflect the results of a consultation, with a height reduction from original plans and nearly a quarter of the 219 flats designated as affordable housing.

But many local residents have already criticised the plans and say that their views have not been heard.

Their fears over the development are down to a number of issues including its size and scale, and lack of parking provision, with the scheme having “a car-free ethos”.

The site at Sheene Way today as seen from Malago Road – photo: Martin Booth

PG Group chief operating officer, Dave Gray, said: “Nationally, the amount of rental stock has failed to keep pace with demand, and this rent squeeze is creating increased insecurity for people looking for a place to live.

“Our build-to-rent scheme would provide hundreds of new rental properties; working with registered providers, a quarter of these would be affordable units.

“Our previous Bristol scheme at Carriageworks, Stokes Croft, turned a disused, derelict site into a location to help tackle Bristol’s housing crisis, and we propose doing the same again here.

“The new residents would also benefit wider Bedminster. We estimate £8.5m per year in local spending generated by the new residents, and our project will help bring new life to East Street, North Street and West Street.”

PG Group say that “thoughtfully designated children’s play areas will foster a welcoming and family-centric atmosphere for residents of all ages” – image: PG Group

On Friday afternoon, only objections had been received to the plans on the council’s planning portal.

One local resident said: “I have been in communication with PG Group and my concerns about access to local amenities have not been addressed. Where will the people in this new neighbourhood get dental treatment, schooling, access to doctors etc. in area with already over stretched services? How are the developers/council providing local services to accommodate such a significant increase in population?”

Another resident said: “Our home is directly behind the development. We have had no direct contact at all from the developers, which suggests neither have our neighbours.

“How can the developers claim they have conducted a ‘full assessment’ without including the properties adjacent to the development? A 5 storey block will tower over our homes blocking daylight to the backs of the houses.”

A third letter of objection added: “250 flats represent at least 500 new residents in an area of terraced housing – it would be the equivalent of several new streets, a whole neighbourhood crammed onto a small footprint. Where will this neighbourhood get dental treatment, schooling, access to doctors in area with already over stretched services?

“Parking. Get real. We live in a society that has been designed around personal vehicles. 500 people means 500 more cars that need somewhere to park. Where will they park their vehicles?”

Main image: preconstruct.com.

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