Housing development will block Bristol’s views of ‘iconic’ colourful houses, say residents

Local residents have slammed proposals for an 11-storey development which they say could obstruct ‘iconic’ views of Bristol’s multi-coloured houses.

An application submitted to Bristol City Council could see several large blocks of housing built in Bedminster in between York Road and St Luke’s Road.

If plans for the homes are approved, 244 dwellings will be built above 655 square meters of commercial units on the ground floor.

But plans for the former site of Bart Spices have been met with opposition from people who live behind it.

Totterdown residents condemn the size of the towers and say they would “obscure the panorama of the Totterdown escarpment”.

Developers Donard Homes revealed plans for Bart spices site in November – image: Donard Homes

‘Save the Totterdown Escarpment View’ campaign does not disagree with the new mixed-use development in principle, but rather the size of the 11-storey towers.

They want to protect the panoramic views of the coloured terraces tumbling down the cliff-edge of Pylle Hill.

Miranda Walker, who instigated the campaign, said she felt emotional at the thought of losing the ‘romantic’ and ‘beautiful’ view of Totterdown’s pastel terraces.

The 51-year-old said: “It’s part of Bristol. It’s so iconic: a snapshot of Bristol’s Victorian past on the hill.”

Walker added: “I’ve got no objection to them building houses. In fact, I think it would make it really nice and I love walking in the area. But it’s just the sheer height and density of it.”

The business-owner said residents are also concerned that the development will set a “dangerous precedent” for a rising skyline in the locality.

The plans are part of an area south of the river earmarked by Bristol City Council for creating new homes and houses.

On a strip of land just behind York Road, other plans for 900 homes are in motion.

Developers of the plot, pension fund DTZ Investors, said their plans for the 22-storey tower block were mindful of protecting views.

A spokesperson from DTZ said: “The team has given very careful consideration to the scale, massing and positioning of the buildings to maintain views through the site”.

Other concerns expressed are whether there will be enough community provisions for York Gate residents such as parking and amenities.

The view of Totterdown’s rows of houses are just visible from York Road down the escarpment – photo: Betty Woolerton

Local resident Adam Bristowe fully objected to the planning application, saying: “I don’t believe a drive for high rise building is the right path to take. The city doesn’t not need any more bland soulless high rise buildings crowding out our historic city.”

Some residents are supportive of the development.

Constance Black, of Holmesdale Road, said: “I love the idea of investment into what is currently a run down, unsafe and completely unattractive area.”

She added: “Most city centres in the world have a built up centre, and opposing on these grounds sounds completely unreasonable to me. I am excited for my local area to have more investment and become a safer area for my family.”

Ed Plowden, Green councillor for Windmill Hill, said he was “aware of the proposals for development in the Mead Street area, and the concerns of many people in our ward and across the City as to their potential impact on the iconic views of Totterdown”.

He added: “The overwhelming feedback we have heard so far is that people understand that there is huge potential to develop this area for the benefit of the City and as part of tackling the housing crisis, and they want to see it done right.

“People are keen that any development here should enhance the local area and the quality of life for the benefit of current and future residents alike.”

Developers Donard Homes said in November, when plans were unveiled, that they sought to “reinstate the area as a principally-residential neighbourhood”.

A spokesperson added: “This area was a vibrant residential neighbourhood from the 18th century, which was dramatically changed in post-World War II’s ‘slum clearances’ with the establishment of an industrial zone known as Temple Gate Distribution Centre.”

A petition to “ensure that views of the Totterdown escarpment are protected” from the development proposals can be found here.

Totterdown’s multi-coloured terraces are a familiar sight across Bristol – photo: Betty Woolerton

Main photo by Miranda Walker 

Read more: Major redevelopment plans revealed for Bart Spices site 

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