Latest on major development plans for St Paul’s site

Developers have revealed plans for 350 new homes on an empty site near the M32 in St Paul’s.

A vast sign behind the high mesh fence of the Dove Lane plot that has long been earmarked for redevelopment currently advertises what Places for People bosses are calling ‘Bristol’s most exciting new neighbourhood’.

The company has launched a public consultation on the plans to build 350 new homes, as well as retail units and workspace, before submitting a planning application this spring.

Places for People has a longstanding relationship with Bristol City Council and bosses describe the company as “an affordable homes-led placemaker”.

The proposals for Dove Lane include approximately 70 homes classed as ‘affordable’. At 20 per cent, this is half of the amount required by the council, although new guidance in 2018 introduced a ‘threshold’ approach to provide developers with a fast track route for processing planning applications if they are prepared to offer at least 20 per cent on-site affordable housing on sites located in the inner west and east areas of the city.

Places for People sign on Dove Lane, St Paul’s – photo Ellie Pipe

The company intends to build one to four-bedroom homes, ranging from four-storeys to ten-storeys high, which will be arranged around a central square. There are also plans to provide spaces for community organisations or businesses.

Launching the consultation, the managing director for placemaking and regeneration at Places for People’s, Sammie Steele, said: “We are keen to bring forward our proposals for St Paul’s, and it’s so important to us to understand what the community like, what they don’t like and what could be improved. We want to ensure our proposed plans are right for the community and St Paul’s.”

Places for People intends to build 350 one to four-bedroom homes, ranging from four-storeys to ten-storeys high – image: Places for People

People can provide feedback via an interactive map, online survey or by contacting Places for People directly.

Some of the people who have already left comments on the map have raised concerns about the number of homes being proposed for the area, or stated the buildings would be “too high and imposing”.

Others have requested space reserved solely for independent businesses and work to improve parks and community in the neighbourhood.

Tom Renhard, cabinet member for housing delivery and homes at Bristol City Council, has given his backing to the plans, saying: “Bristol needs new homes to meet a housing crisis that shows little sign of easing. I welcome these revised plans that support our efforts to keep pace with Bristol’s housing need by delivering sustainable, well-built, and affordable homes.

“Collaboration with the local community is a vital aspect of successful development and I am pleased to see Places for People prioritise this aspect of their plans.”

Planning permission was granted for the site that was formerly home to a paper factory in 2014 and initial site works have been undertaken with some of the underground infrastructure and the roads installed.

The consultation runs until February 18 and there is a webinar at 6.30pm on Wednesday, February 9. Find out more via www.dovelanebristol.co.uk/have-your-say/.

Main image: Glenn Howells Architects

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