Revised plans for derelict Redfield site rejected

The owners of a prominent Redfield plot say they will be forced to press ahead with an “ugly” development after alternative proposals were rejected.

Chaps Property bought the former post office site on the corner of Church Road and Chalks Road with planning permission to build a ground floor retail unit and eight one-bedroom flats, but decided the approved scheme was not befitting of its prominent location.

The company submitted alternative plans for a café/bar and nine new homes, which were rejected by Bristol City Council and on appeal.

Revised proposals for a five-storey building with a cafe/bar and nine flats were also thrown out. Issuing the final decision last month, the council said the plans were contrary to the local plan.

The papers state: “The proposed development, by virtue of its height, siting, scale, massing, form, and overall design would fail to respond to the setting, local context and street scene and would appear as an incongruous and discordant form of development that would not contribute positively to the area’s character, appearance and identity.”

The plot on the corner of Church Road and Chalks Road where a post office once stood – photo by Ellie Pipe

The officer report notes that “numerous objections” were lodged by residents in relation to the design, height, scale, siting and massing of the proposed building and its relationship with the surrounding development and street scene. It was recognised that the proposals also garnered a “significant amount” of support.

There was no affordable housing provision although because the proposed development fell below the ten unit threshold, this was not a planning requirement.

Chaps Property bosses have expressed disappointment at the council’s decision and said they will now return to the original plans already approved.

A company spokesperson said: “The site was purchased with approved planning permission dating back to 2004 to build a block of flats on the corner – however, the approved scheme is ugly and not befitting of its prominent location.

“As such we’ve sought to obtain new permission for the site which made better use of what is a prominent corner opposite the park – we wanted something that the local community could be proud of.

“Following the rejection of the first scheme at appeal, we had three meetings with the council’s planning officer and urban design officer, and also a meeting with two of the local councillors. We were repeatedly told that the site could take a taller scheme, subject to a suitable design. We provided four alternative designs and made further amendments incorporating feedback from these meetings before resubmitting.

“We now feel that the council has left us with little option but to build out the approved scheme, even though there is agreement that this is not an attractive scheme, and does not do the site or St George justice. Within these constraints however, we will do our best to build the scheme to the highest standards.”

Sketch of approved development on the corner of Church Road and Chalks Road – image from Bristol City Council planning portal

Main image courtesy of Chaps Property and Stoke Morgan Planning

Read more: Development plans for derelict Redfield site