Shopping centre set to be replaced by 550 homes

Plans to build 550 homes on the site of a shopping centre in south Bristol have been recommended for approval.

Developer Broadside Holdings originally wanted to build 850 homes at Broadwalk Shopping Centre, in Knowle.

However, it has reduced the number by 300 after campaigners launched a judicial review over concerns the development would be too dense.

Bristol City Council's planning committee is due to vote on the revised plans on Wednesday, with planning officers recommending them for approval.

A spokesperson for Friends of Redcatch Park, a volunteer community group that works to improve the city, said: "We wholeheartedly support the substantial changes."

The shopping centre, located on the corner of Broad Walk and Wells Road, is more than 50 years old.

Councillors agreed unanimously to demolish the site - which is mostly vacant - in July 2023.

A committee report looking at the new proposals from Broadside Holdings said: "Following negotiation with representatives from the local community a decision has been taken to reduce the quantum of development that it is proposed to provide on the site, which in large part would result in significant reduction in density on the western part of the plot."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the height of the buildings planned for the eastern side of the development that fronts onto Wells Road would be slightly taller than those in the previous plans.

Plans for apartments on the western side of the site, next to Redcatch Park, have been amended to houses to address one of the main concerns from residents about blocks of flats overshadowing the area.

Friends of Redcatch Park praised the "constructive and open communication" from the developer and the "significant and welcome improvement" of the plans.

If councillors approve the proposals, demolition could begin later this year.

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