Plans for rooftop terrace approved unanimously despite concerns

Plans for a rooftop terrace overlooking the Floating Harbour have been approved unanimously by councillors.

The development management committee granted permission after a U-turn by planning officers who told the building’s owners just two weeks ago that they were likely to recommend refusal amid concerns from heritage bodies about the impact on views of Bristol Cathedral.

Councillors decided this would be minimal and that not only could people get a better sight just yards away from one small section in front of the Arnolfini on Narrow Quay where it would be partially blocked, it would be great from the rooftop, where customers at the V-Shed, Ritorno Lounge and Coyote Ugly could go.

Councillor Fabian Breckels told the meeting that he thought the plans for the new terrace were “an excellent idea, we’re going to get some great views, we need to attract people, we need to generate revenue”.

Breckels added: “The impact on the views of the cathedral is minimal. It’s a view from one spot and the benefits far outweigh the harm.

“It’s going to be a fantastic place for a summer drink or a bite to eat.”

Ab artist’s impression of one of the roof terraces – image: Stride Treglown

Caroline Gooch said: “I find some of Historic England’s reasoning a bit inconsistent because they were quite happy to put a tower block in between Christmas Steps and Totterdown houses and spoil that view.

“It’s a view (of Bristol Cathedral) that you have to be over a certain height to see anyway, and you can just walk a little way and see a better view.

“It will be a great addition to the harbourside and boost the economy, and people will enjoy going there.”

Guy Poultney said that “the heritage harm is fairly minimal”.

“I was slightly concerned at the idea that public benefit could simply be economic growth and that would be enough to overcome the heritage objection.

“That was not a precedent I would be happy to set and I want to make very clear that my support for this scheme applies largely to the fact that this is a nighttime economy venue and the nighttime economy is in very serious trouble.

“All members of this committee will remember occasions where we were desperately trying to refuse something in order to save a pub that we believed was viable but where there were huge arguments to say that it wasn’t.”

Ritorno Lounge will be one of the bars whose customers will be able to access the new roof terrace – photo: Martin Booth

Bristol City Council deputy head of planning Jonathan Dymond said that under planning guidance, the benefits did not have to be visible or accessible to the public to be classed as genuine public benefits.

Conservative councillor Richard Eddy said he hoped the applicants, building owners Padmanor Investments, ignored Green councillor Lisa Stone’s suggestion that a planning condition could be added so that access could be free to everyone.

Eddy said: “Frankly the job of the hospitality sector is difficult enough without Nimbys turning up on a roof terrace and sitting there gassing and not buying a drink.”

Patrick McAllister, councillor for Hotwells & Harbourside, said the new terrace would be “a landmark that attracts people to our waterfront, spending in the local economy and meeting a latent demand that is clearly evident from the public support for the proposal”.

Thirty residents wrote in support of the application, with two against.

There were also objections from Historic England and the council’s conservation and urban design officers, while the authority’s economic development and sustainability teams were in support.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• Rooftop terrace could open above car park
  
• End of an era as ‘near legendary after-hours drinking den closes
• Loungers to take over Bocabar site in Paintworks