BoKlok submits plans for 173 factory-built homes
An example of BoKlok homes. Image BoKlok.
A Swedish housing developer co-owned by Ikea has submitted amended plans to build 173 factory-built homes on Knowle West’s Airport Road.
BoKlok is jointly owned by contractors Skanska and specialises in low cost, sustainable housing. It has already built 12,000 homes across Scandinavia but this will be its first development in Bristol.
The site close to the entrance to Creswicke Road and east of Filwood Green Business Park was originally earmarked by the company for up to 200 homes.
But the reduction in units is one of several changes to the scheme – following feedback from local residents.
Other alterations to the plans include:
- Reorienting homes within the site to protect existing residents’ privacy
- Re-directing access to the north of the site through Ilminster Avenue.
- Swapping a number of house types to increase the mix of properties
- Adding a further six disabled parking spaces for the apartment blocks.
- Improving the facade of the houses – with “striking colour render suited to the Bristol architecture.”
BoKlok has also now ensured new homes will be set back further from the brook for “future ease of maintenance” and greater ‘breathing space given to the brook to enhance its setting.’
They will also keep more of the tree clusters within the site, relocate play spaces to “areas of natural surveillance” and make minimum changes to the position of bus stops.
The application to the council for the 173 homes will include 77 houses and 96 flats split over a number of four-storey apartment blocks.
Of these 40 would be available for social rent, with 121 on the open market and 12 “intermediate” including shared ownership.
Last October Bristol City Council’s cabinet agreed to enter into a “non-binding Memorandum of Understanding” with BoKlok to deliver new homes in the city over the next five years – as part of Bristol Housing Festival.
Plans were viewed by residents at two open events in December in the area, along with other potential housing developments. BoKlok also held an open evening at Filwood Green Business Park at the end of last year.
Members of Knowle West Future – a group of residents and organisations looking to take forward the area’s regeneration plan – have been concerned at the amount of housing on the site – and requested to cabinet in October it should be reduced to 100 homes.
Len Wyatt said: “We believe it is critical that if we are to have an increase in the number of people moving into our area – that there is enough retail, community facilities and green spaces in our area for those people to use. Especially if people are less able to travel…”
Knowle West Alliance has been meeting with BoKlok to make sure the company will work closely with the community.
Alliance Co-ordinator Lucy Holburn said: ” We are having constructive talks about how BoKlok can work with the community going forward.
“Even though they have gone to planning, Boklok have told us they are still listening. If people have strong comments the Alliance is very happy to pass these on…”
BoKlok has submitted a full planning application (reference 20/00299/F) to the council.
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