Scaled-back plans for 220 homes approved at old railway depot in Ashton Gate

Controversial plans for 220 homes at a former railway depot in Ashton Gate have been approved despite fears a “scary” shared cycle/pedestrian path is too narrow.

Bristol councillors granted permission for nine buildings between three and five storeys at Clanage Road, just off the Brunel Way flyover, after hearing half of the flats will be affordable.

But because the apartments will be only one- and two-bedroom, residents fear it will exclude many families from moving in and create “slums of the future” rather than a balanced community.

And despite planning officers’ advice to give the go-ahead, the council’s own transport management team objected because the width of the Festival Way cycle path, which is also used by walkers, cannot be extended from three metres to the Government’s’ recommended five metres, to protect nearby bats.

The plans were scaled back twice before coming to the development control committee on Wednesday, April 28, following Historic England concerns that the original proposed row of tower blocks up to nine storeys would ruin the view from Ashton Court.

The organisation had said the development would be an “incoherent mass” blotting out the vista across to St Mary Redcliffe Church.

Developers Galliford Try reduced the height but not enough to satisfy the critics, so they submitted a third version last month with no building bigger than five storeys.

Historic England and Bristol Civic Society both dropped their opposition but there were still objections from Avon Gardens Trust, the city’s Tree Forum, the council’s conservation advisory panel and Bristol Walking Alliance.

Plans for Carnage Road. Image: Vistry Partnerships/Inspire Design

Labour councillor Fabian Breckels told the committee: “I am concerned, and highways are concerned, about the width of the shared path.”

Councillor Stephen Clarke said: “I use this about three times a week, both walking and on bike. It works perfectly well.

“Overall I feel quite unenthusiastic about this application but this is a place that has been empty for a long time, it’s currently ugly hardstanding. I don’t think the views are too impacted, so I will be voting for it.”

Fellow Green councillor Fi Hance said: “‘Disagreements among Green Party shocker’ – I find it a bit scary, I’ve been clonked quite a few times on that cycle path with pedestrians willy-nilly, so I would dispute it works out well at the moment. However, I’m not sure it’s a complete game-stopper.”

She said the design was “not desperately beautiful” and she sympathised with those who said it would not enhance the area.

“But there are significant benefits to be gained,” councillor Hance said. “I’d be willing to vote for it, not with a huge amount of enthusiasm, but it will do.”

The plans also include commercial areas and two central plots of open space separated by a plaza.

Adam Postans is a local democracy reporter for Bristol

Main image: Vistry Partnerships/Inspire Design

Read more: £175m regeneration approved at former Gardiner Haskins site