Agenda item

 An amendment sheet was provided to the Committee in advance of the meeting, detailing changes since the publication of the original report 

The representative of the Service Director- Planning and Development made the following points by way of introduction:-

1.      The application related to the ongoing regeneration of the Hengrove area and this application relates to the completion of Phase 1.

2.      The application will deliver 261 dwellings in a mixture of terraces, apartments and semi-detached properties.

3.      The consultation had been extensive with a number of comments but feedback was greater for Phase 2 of the project that would be before committee approximately next June 2018.

4.      Conditions were recommended to manage grassland; drainage scheme and natural habitats; there would be a loss of trees but the developers intend to replace with 121 street trees; the area known as the mound had the potential for ground gas but investigations were ongoing.

5.      The Apartments would be 4 storeys-high but would be the same height as the college building opposite the development.

6.      The Development delivered  30% policy compliant  affordable housing therefore a viability appraisal was not necessary.

7.      The development delivers the density  of houses per hectare that fits the market for the area.  Phase 2 of  the development will include a higher density of dwellings with the portion for affordable housing and market housing to be considered.

8.      Clarity was provided on the position of sustainable energy.  Feasibility work was underway in relation to this site and phase 2 development with regards future CHP plant and links to the District Heating Plant.

9.      There is a potential for the wider Hengrove development to attract commercial retail business enabling on site amenities and to minimise the need to travel by car.

The following was noted from the debate that followed:

a.      Cllr Eddy shared that local Councillors welcomed the scheme and were happy with the design; the percentage of affordable housing proposed; and that it was compliant to city council policy.  He acknowledged there was a need for improved infrastructure such as access to GPs and grocery stores.  He stated that the sums that would be generated from CIL monies would positively impact the creative aspect of the area and improve the provision at the Hengrove play park.

b.      Cllr Mead expressed his disappointment with the density of dwellings per hectare but acknowledged the need for new housing across Bristol.  He was favourable to the ecological mitigation to be provided by the developer, albeit a portion of the meadow would be lost.  He explained that condition 7 should be enhanced to include shrubs, preferable those with fruits, to encourage insects and birds.

c.      Cllr Breckels viewed the development as a good start and noted  the developer’s willingness to include affordable housing.  The development would attract retailers to the area.

d.      Cllr Clarke enquired whether CHP and the link to the DHP could be added as a condition.  Officers explained that further feasibility work would take place with regards to phase 2 of the project but at this stage it was not possible to predetermine the outcome of this work.

e.      Clarity was provided that the current phase 1 housing development was linked to and completed the development of the hospital and leisure centre complex.  Cllr Wright compared the development to that in Horfield that was also a development on Bristol City Council land and felt that earlier development had produced better design and a higher density of dwellings.  He considered the application rushed and premature and a missed opportunity to do more.  He was minded to vote against.

f.       Cllr Mead moved the recommendation with an  amendment to condition 7 to include reference to shrubs, Cllr Eddy seconded the proposal.

When put to the vote committee

Resolved – 10 for, none against and 1 abstention for planning permission to be granted with the amended condition.

Councillor Eddy left the chamber at 12.26