News / Brislington Meadows
Wildlife haven could still see homes built
In a major announcement from mayor Marvin Rees less than three weeks before polling day in May’s local elections, he joined the two prospective Labour councillors and local MP Kerry McCarthy to announce that Brislington Meadows would not be built on.
Rees said that the site was too ecologically precious to be covered with 300 homes.
But the government’s housing agency has now renewed its commitment to build on the site, which it bought for £15m.
is needed now More than ever
In a statement, Homes England confirmed that after “carefully reviewing the situation”, they will be “progressing” a planning application for Brislington Meadows.
“Many issues have been taken into account, including the specific need for homes in Broomhill, ecological and climate considerations, the Local Plan allocation, the work on site already carried out in clearing Sinnott House to make way for the access, and the £15m cost to the taxpayer of purchasing the site.
“Our proposals will deliver: a nature-led masterplan; much needed carbon-friendly housing, including 30 per cent affordable housing; a new neighbourhood that encourages healthy transport, is close to schools, shops, jobs, green space, and transport links, and an economic boost for the local centre.
“The plans will balance housing need alongside protecting and enhancing the environment.
“Our vision is to create a place where nature and people can coexist and thrive together; a place that brings health, learning, play, and economic benefit to the existing Broomhill community, and delivers new housing in an environmentally responsible way.”
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Rees said that Homes England’s decision to develop plans to develop Brislington Meadows was “disappointing”, but he added that planning applications do not come within his remit as mayor.
“Brislington Meadows was allocated for housing in 2014 – seven years ago and two years before I was first elected as Mayor,” he wrote in a series of tweets.
“More recent information shows the importance of the site for Bristol ecosystems and wildlife. That’s why, with our city facing crises in climate and ecology as well as housing, we’re prioritising building on brownfield sites and pushing to protect green space.
“News of a planning application coming forward for Brislington Meadows is disappointing – but planning applications sit with cross-party councillor committees, not Mayors.
“While I disagree with Homes England’s decision to proceed with an application for Brislington Meadows, we must continue working together to build more new affordable homes elsewhere in the city.”
On their website, www.brislingtonmeadows.co.uk, Homes England anticipate that construction on the site could begin in spring 2024 – map: Google / Homes England
Main photo: Marvin Rees / Twitter
Read more: Developers explain why they are digging at Bristol’s last working farm
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