More details revealed for homes on Brislington Meadows which Rees pledged to stop

It was a photo opportunity that for many represented the futility of Bristol’s elected mayoral model.

Just days before the local elections in 2021, Marvin Rees pledged to keep Brislington Meadows as a local green space, saying that the wildlife haven was too ecologically precious to be built on.

But despite later calling Homes England’s plans for building hundreds of homes on the land “disappointing”, Rees admitted that he cannot rule on planning applications as mayor.

This led to a Labour councillor taking the unusual step of publicly criticising Rees, with Tim Rippington – who took part himself in the infamous photo opportunity – saying that the mayor had shown “a total abdication of duty” in the ongoing saga of Brislington Meadows.

Homes England have now submitted their planning application for the site, with up to 260 new homes built on the land off Broomhill Road.

Brislington Meadows is an allocated site in Bristol City Council’s Local Plan, which sets out sites across the city that can be built on.

In their planning application, Homes England say that alongside the 260 new homes there will be “a significant area of publicly accessible green space and new walking and cycling routes for all access requirements”.

“The masterplan is landscape-led, directly influenced and shaped by the existing assets of the site including existing mature trees and hedgerows, and opportunities for views across Bristol.

“A variety of green spaces are designed to encourage people to gather and interact, and some of which are purposefully naturalistic and quieter for ecological reasons.

“Brislington Meadows has been designed comprehensively, demonstrating the potential to deliver up to 260 new homes in a sustainable manner, with no fundamental constraints on development that cannot be appropriately addressed.”

An aerial view of the Brislington Meadows site – photo: Homes England

More than a dozen objections have already been received about Homes England’s planning application in less than 48 hours.

Sophie Bancroft of Manworthy Road said: “The site is a meadow holding significant biodiversity, which is rapidly decreasing as expressed in the declared climate and ecological emergency. It also provides needed walking/recreational space for local residents.

“The open space is used by me and my family as well as many other local people, helping with the connection to nature and feeling the benefits such as well being.

“I’m also concerned with the level of increased pressure on schools, traffic and air quality, local doctors and services.”

Miss C Vaughan of Sherwell Road wrote: “I walk through the meadows at least once a week, more in summer and feel it is a shame to lose a space where there is so much nature and wildlife thriving.

“Furthermore, there aren’t enough schools or doctors to accommodate this amount of people. The traffic on the roads will be horrendous and the bus services are unreliable.”

David Megson-Smith of Grove Park Road added: “This proposed development removes land that is enjoyed by all the people of Broomhill and Brislington.”

Main image: Homes England

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