This is a hugely significant development for the future of central Bristol and a once in a generation opportunity. Unfortunately, the Society cannot support the application in its present form until substantial alterations are made. The fundamental issue is the scale of buildings, which we think should respond to the existing character and sensitivity of the surrounding townscape of Bristol.
We had a presentation to our members from the developer which was welcome, not least because this is a complicated scheme supported by a dense array of supporting documents. It is not an easy package for development professionals to access, never mind members of the public. We are concerned that people may not understand the full significance of the planning application.
If the planning permission is approved, the height, scale, block locations and mass of the outline scheme, together with the amount of proposed floorspace, would be established, and more than likely would be built. Leaving the consideration of such matters to when the detailing of the scheme is seen would be too late. Now is the time to get it right. We have made a number of suggestions for how the proposals could be improved.
Ian Jenkins
