News / Brislington
Plans for 49 homes in Brislington refused
Plans to build 49 homes behind a former office block in Brislington have been refused due to the impact on neighbouring businesses.
Applicant 515 Stockwood Road LLP said the future occupants of the site, likely on lower incomes, would have key bus routes, shops and services on their doorstep.
But Bristol City Council officers opposed the loss of employment land and said the residential use could spark noise complaints about established businesses nearby.
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The proposals were for a terrace of nine three-bed houses and 40 flats, with 14 of them affordable.
They would have been built in a car park behind Orchard House, a five-storey former office block that is being extended and converted into 54 apartments.
The scheme was dubbed phase two of the Orchard House development.
The plans say the car park is described as surplus to requirements.
Only 46 of the 108 existing parking bays would be retained, but space for 78 bicycles would be created.
The application said: “The site is in a sustainable location, being close to key public bus routes and on the doorstep of local shops and services, as well as employment opportunities.
“These will be of significant benefit to the future residents who are likely to be first time buyers who have a lower disposable income.”
The council’s economic development officers objected to the “substantial loss” of employment land, and said the homes would be next to noisy commercial functions, including an MOT garage and product manufacturing, that have unrestricted hours.
They said: “This raises significant concern regarding impact on viability of surrounding industrial and commercial uses, through the presence of neighbouring residential and the potential for complaints.
“The introduction of residential accommodation largely surrounded by industrial and warehousing uses is considered inappropriate.”
The officers welcomed the mix of homes but said the construction of a six-storey building had not been justified.
The application was refused by delegated powers.
Stephen Sumner is a local democracy reporter for Bristol
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