News / Development
‘South Bristol is being reshaped without people’s voices being heard’
As Bristol24/7 recently reported when planning permission was granted for south Bristol’s tallest tower, a legal challenge could still scupper the controversial scheme.
Campaigners have now renewed their crowdfunding appeal to raise the money for a judicial review that could prevent the scheme for Princess Street in Bedminster from being built.
Planning permission has been approved for a 23-storey tower constructed as part of a mixed-used proposal comprising 437 flats, 400 student rooms and more than 1,200 sq m of commercial space.
Some principal points of contention for campaigners are that they believe the development conflicts with the Whitehouse Street Regeneration Framework‘s objectives for density, height, housing mix and community integration.
A spokesperson for Build Bedminster Better said “this is not a step we take lightly”.
They said: “We shouldn’t have to do this but it shows how strongly people feel that something has gone badly wrong with planning decisions in Bristol…
“The whole community worked hard to shape the Whitehouse Street Framework and we feel deeply let down that it’s being ignored in spirit.
“This development tears up the vision local people helped create.
“Pursuing legal action requires time, money and a lot of work, but the strength of feeling from local people has made it clear that this decision cannot go unchallenged.”
Build Bedminster Better campaigners have met with their barrister and are preparing to enter the pre‑action stage of a judicial review.
The 23-storey tower would become the tallest building in south Bristol – image: Landgage
The Build Bedminster Better spokesperson added: “Bedminster urgently needs more homes but this development is not the right way to deliver the mix of housing people want.
“More and more student towers do nothing to address Bristol’s housing shortage or homelessness problem, and the build‑to‑rent blocks proposed here are unsuitable for many people who need secure, affordable places to live.
“What our community needs are homes that integrate with the existing neighbourhood, support local families, and reflect the vision set out in the Whitehouse Street Framework.
“People feel that south Bristol is being reshaped without their voices being heard.
“The Whitehouse Street Framework was meant to deliver a vibrant, mixed community.
“Instead, we are facing a scheme that undermines that vision.
“We will try to get better homes for Bedminster and Bristol for as long as the funds allow.
“If people can donate or share the crowdfunder, it will make a real difference. We’ve already had extraordinary support.”
Main image: Liz Lake Associates
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