Over 1,400 new homes for Hengrove Park

Over 1,400 new homes are set to be built in Hengrove Park – after a new development was granted outline planning permission yesterday evening (16 October).

Bristol City Council’s Development Control Committee approved plans for the mixed-use development off Whitchurch Lane – which will include 1,435 homes, a new public park and investment into local community, business and education facilities. 

The decision follows a battle with residents worried about the amount of housing and loss of green space. The new plans have a reduction in housing – but not as much as local people wanted.

In February an application for 1,500 homes was refused by a Bristol City Council planning committee on the grounds it “did not comply with the Neighbourhood Development Plan.”

This was created by the Whitchurch and Hengrove Neighbourhood Planning Forum and voted for by 85 per cent of residents in a local referendum.

The Neighbourhood Plan wanted a higher density of residential dwellings to save more of the park and enough facilities and employment opportunities to meet community needs.

Since the original planning application was turned down the council has run a series of consultation events to give local people and businesses an opportunity to have their say.

A meeting at St Augustine Church in July was packed, with residents outraged at the loss of so much green space. https://www.knowlewest.co.uk/residents-challenge-hengrove-park-houses-plan/

The Whitchurch and Hengrove Neighbourhood Planning Forum objected to the revised plans which they said had “not significantly changed” and claimed despite meetings the council project team had decided not to work with them.

Co-Chair of the group Andrew Gamlin said: “… Our concerns continue that too much park is being lost and we are not getting the large quality park that we have all been promised, which will be a destination for South Bristol…”

A council spokesperson said: “The views and feedback gathered helped to inform the revised masterplan and outline planning application, which has now been approved subject to conditions.

“Significant changes made to the plans included reducing the overall number of houses and apartments, increasing the size of the park and public space to more than half the size of the development, improving community and sports facilities, and improving walking, cycling and bus routes…”

Local play facilities, sports pitches and a pavilion are planned for the new park.

A new office space, similar to Engine Shed 2 near Temple Meads, will also be created on the development, and City of Bristol Skills Academy and Perry Court Primary School will be expanded.

For more information about the development, visit https://www.bristol.gov.uk/housing/plans-for-hengrove