Setback for controversial beauty spot build plans

Controversial plans to build 260 homes on a beauty spot have suffered a setback after councillors voted against the project in its current form due to concerns over flooding and harm to wildlife.

The Brislington Meadows site in south Bristol has been the subject of a row over planning permission since 2020 when it was sold to Homes England - the government's land and property agency.

Subsequent council administrations sought to protect the area from development but Homes England won the right to build on the land in 2023 by taking the matter to appeal.

There were cheers from campaigners in City Hall on Wednesday evening when councillors voted 6-3 against the plans in their current form.

Among the concerns were developer Keepmoat's failure to set out how it would deliver "biodiversity net gain" - a tool used in planning decisions to measure the impact of developments on wildlife.

Last year it was revealed that Bristol has lost some habitats to construction.

This was offset at sites in Barnsley, Yorkshire, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Other concerns include the flood risk associated with building on green space, additional congestion on nearby roads and the fact several roads on the estate would be too steep - leading to accessibility issues.

Council planners must now formalise the councillors' reasons for refusal and the committee will reconvene in a few weeks to either confirm or reverse the decision.

If councillors again vote against the plans it is likely the developer will take the matter to appeal, with the government's Planning Inspectorate having the final say.

Janet Wren, from campaign group Save Brislington Meadows, described the spot as the area's "green lungs", helping to tackle traffic pollution.

Addressing the meeting, she said: "It's our green space full of amazing ancient trees, shrubs and flowers and has tonnes of wildlife and birds.

"It's our place to support our mental health and the simple pleasures of taking children for a walk in nature."

Ben Leather, from Keepmoat Homes, said: "Our purpose has been to work with officers and local residents to shape the best possible neighbourhood that can be delivered on this site, for people who live nearby today and for future generations of Bristolians who need a home."

Labour councillor Tim Rippington, from Brislington East, said: "Can ancient and beautiful meadows be replaced by identifying surrounding fields of less ecological value, and grazing sheep on them?

"Can the impact of cutting down trees and hedgerows and destroying countless wildlife habitats simply be offset without any real planning or by handing it over to the council?"

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