The Society has commented on a draft Broadmead design code, a planning policy document. The development of design codes was introduced into government planning policy in 2021. The aim is to make design expectations clearer for developers in a particular location, and hence to make the planning application process more efficient. A good idea in principle.
This document is Bristol’s first design code, and so it is the first opportunity to see how Bristol interprets the requirement for design codes. This design code is one of the detailed policy documents that will elaborate on the City Centre Development and Delivery Plan that was endorsed by Council in December 2023.
Unfortunately, we have a number of reasons for concluding that the draft design code needs re-writing. We consider that the draft design code:
- is too generic and too long;
- is mostly unrelated to Broadmead;
- duplicates other relevant planning guidance;
- has been subject to insufficient early community engagement;
- seems to assume demolition and re-build, omitting to comment on the potential for re-use of the types of existing buildings to be found in Broadmead.
We also disagree with the proposed tall buildings guidelines within the design code. And we continue to argue for a clearer Council vision of what is wanted for the city centre, especially where across the whole area tall buildings are envisaged and where not, and of what height.
Alan Morris
City Centre Development and Delivery Plan