News / Development
Plans for 260 homes on meadows recommended for approval
Plans to develop a much-loved green space in south Bristol have been recommended for approval by city planners.
The proposals would see 260 homes built on Brislington Meadows – around a third of them classed as affordable – in buildings of up to four storeys.
The scheme also includes 352 parking spaces, a children’s playground and the planting of 200 new trees.
However, hundreds of objections have been submitted ahead of an upcoming meeting that will determine whether the development goes ahead on the contentious plot in Brislington.
Arguing the meadows are an important community asset, those against the scheme point to the site’s ancient hedgerows, veteran trees and “rich biodiversity which cannot be replaced”.
Developer Keepmoat Homes, who is now seeking approval for the reserved matters stage covering layout, appearance, scale and landscaping, has defended the proposals.
They said they balance the delivery of “well-designed homes” with the protection of “significant areas of green space”, despite acknowledging strong local opposition.
In February, around 170 people turned out for a community walk across the threatened green space – photo: Save Brislington Meadows
Ben Leather, regional managing director at Keepmoat, said: “The principle of development on this site was established by the Planning Inspectorate in 2023.
“This stage is about ensuring the detailed design reflects the character of the area and addresses concerns raised locally.
“We have engaged extensively with residents in Brislington to understand priorities such as the need for family homes.
“Feedback has shaped refinements to the layout, increased cycle provision, adjustments to parking and strengthened ecological measures.
“The scheme will deliver 260 new homes, including 78 affordable homes, while retaining more than half of the site as open green space and delivering significant biodiversity net gain.”
“We recognise there are strong local views about Brislington Meadows.
“Our focus has been on creating well-designed homes, protecting significant areas of green space and ensuring the development sits responsibly within its surroundings.”
If approved, more than 250 new homes will be built on the area in what developers promise will be “a green, landscape-led neighbourhood in keeping with the local landscape” – image: Keepmoat Homes
In their report, planning officers said the scheme complies with the outline permission and would help deliver new affordable homes on a site allocated for housing in the Bristol Local Plan.
They concluded the mix and type of homes are appropriate for the area, the design and appearance are acceptable and the proposals raise no significant concerns in terms of transport or highways.
The development was also found to include sufficient reductions in CO2 emissions and to adequately address sustainable design, nature conservation and green infrastructure.
Brislington Meadows is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest – photo: Mark Ashdown
More than 500 objections have been lodged on the council’s planning portal.
One said: “For many of us locally, Brislington Meadows is part of the character of the area. It offers open space, views, and a sense of nature that you just don’t get elsewhere nearby.
“It feels short sighted to lose somewhere so valuable to the community.
“I understand that new housing is needed, but it should not come at the cost of important green spaces that already serve both people and wildlife.
“Once this land is built on, it cannot be replaced.”
A spokesperson for Save Brislington Meadows said the group is “deeply concerned” by officers’ recommendation to approve the reserved matters application for the site.
Urging councillors to review the evidence, they said that Bristol Tree Forum, Avon Wildlife Trust and Environmental Law Foundation have called for updated ecological surveys and a biodiversity net gain strategy, while residents fear building on the meadow could worsen flooding.
The application will be considered at Planning Committee A at 6pm on March 11 at City Hall.
Main image: Keepmoat Homes
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