‘Heartbreak’ as appeal to build 260 homes on green space wins

An appeal to build housing on a wildlife haven in south Bristol has been allowed to the outcry of environmental campaigners.

Homes England now have permission to develop Brislington Meadows, a site much-loved by locals and rich in natural habitats and mature trees.

The plans will see 260 homes built, 30 per cent of which will be affordable, as part of an ‘integrated 20-minute neighbourhood’ close to schools, shops and work opportunities.

When they were submitted by the government house builder in April 2022, residents left almost 600 objections based on environmental concerns. Wildlife experts say the land off Broomhill Road is home to a variety of important animal species including bats, birds of prey, slow worms, as well as ancient trees.

One year on and after a three week-planning battle in February, planning inspector Owen Woodwards decided that “the benefits of the proposal significantly outweigh the harms”, referring to the need for new homes in Bristol versus the habitat loss incurred by developing the site.

Ahead of his re-election in 2021, mayor Marvin Rees promised to protect the wildlife haven from being built on, declaring it was too ecologically precious. He later retracted his pledge as he said he could not rule on planning applications as mayor.

On Monday afternoon, Rees tweeted: “Deeply disappointed to see the Government approve plans to build on Brislington Meadows – this wildlife haven needs protection.

“Homes England’s plans are at odds with my administration’s efforts to save the site from my predecessor’s 2014 Local Plan.”

The planning inspector’s ruling pointed out that the 2014 allocated land at Brislington Meadows to have 300 new homes built on them.

Bristol City Council’s new Local Plan, a document setting out how the city will grow and where new developments should go up to 2040, no longer allocates housing for Brislington Meadows.

Local campaign group Save Brislington Meadows said it was “beyond disappointed”.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the planning inspector decided to be on the wrong side of history and allow Homes England to destroy our beloved meadow.

“We are beyond disappointed that democracy was ignored and we are looking at our options moving forward.”

Environmental activist and housing campaigner Danica Priest said: “Just found out the inspector is allowing @HomesEngland to destroy Brislington Meadows. I’m heartbroken and shaking with anger. I no longer have faith that any of us can make a difference anymore.

A Bristol Tree Forum spokesperson said: “We are deeply disappointed this precious green space, filled with important habitat including exceptional trees and Important rare, historic hedgerows is being sacrificed to housing.”

Labour councillors for Brislington East Tim Rippington and Katja Hornchen said they were “bitterly disappointed that the planning inspectorate has allowed Homes England to build on Brislington Meadows – an ecologically important, wildlife-rich meadow that is loved and used by the local community.”

In its proposals, Homes England promise to “design a community where residents and nature co-exist” – image: Homes England

In his conclusion, Woodwards wrote: “I have found conflicts with regard to character and appearance, and with regard to aged trees.

“There would also be further harms with regard to loss of trees and hedgerows, ecology, and loss of open space and recreation.

“However, I place limited weight on these factors because they must be seen in the context of the site allocation.

“It therefore follows that the proposal accords with the Development Plan read as a whole.”

Main photo: Oren Taylor

Read next:

• Labour councillor lambasts mayor over Brislington Meadows
• Thousands sign petition to stop building on Bristol’s green spaces
• My Bristol Favourites: Danica Priest

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