Who are we and what do we do?

Bristol Civic Society is an independent, voluntary organisation that exists to improve Bristol’s built environment and celebrate its heritage. We have existed as a society for over 100 years.

Through our working groups, we seek to influence the development of major sites, and new planning and transport policy. And we monitor planning applications. New group members are always welcome. 

Our Manifesto for Bristol [PDF] describes some key high-level principles that unite us when we work to make Bristol a better place.

We put on a varied events programme. In addition to this website, we publish Better Bristol (in the spring and autumn each year) and send out (by email) regular e-bulletins and event notifications. We are an active and friendly organisation with over 400 members from all walks of life.

Forthcoming Events

Latest Posts

Parkview Campus site image
Planning Issues

Parkview Office Campus, Whitchurch Lane

On:
Baldwin Street traffic
Air Quality

The Council’s Clean Air Plan goes backwards

On:
Designers image of building
Planning Issues

Kingsown House and Unity Street

On:
Bus stop and car

Transport in Bristol : what can we expect in 2019? 20th March 2019

Events /
An expert panel discusses the complex and often bewildering range of transport initiatives in Bristol.
Electric charge point

Future Travel Choices: electric cars and transport on demand?: 15th May 2019

Events /
Future Travel Choices: electric cars and transport on demand? Perspectives on future travel choices and the implications for Bristol and the West of England.
Little Paradise, Bedminster

Little Paradise, Bedminster

Planning Issues /
The Society supports the principle of residential development on this site in Little Paradise and Stafford Street but has reservations.
Aerial view of site.

Redcross Street, Old Market

Planning Issues /
The Society endorses the response of the Old Market Community Association who support a proposal by CTU Partner Limited to build 75 residential apartments in Old Market.
Dove Lane image

Dove Lane, St. Pauls

Planning Issues /
Places for People have outline planning permission to build in 6 blocks to provide office space, 250+ new homes, retail, and small business/workshop space in St Pauls.
Plan of Ashton Gate proposal

Ashton Gate

Planning Issues /
In principle, the Society supports the proposals by Ashton Gate Limited and Bristol Sport (the Club) to develop two sites at Ashton Gate.
John Dando Sedding

John Dando Sedding

Blue Plaques /
A blue plaque at 4 Berkeley Crescent commemorates the architect John Dando Sedding.
Photo of Portland Square

Portland Square update Jan 2019

Planning Issues /
Planning permission has been granted for the development of this former short terrace of four houses has been Bristol’s longest running ‘building at risk’, blight.
St Catherine’s Place

St Catherine’s Place

Planning Issues /
This is a scheme to redevelop the site to provide about 270 new homes in five blocks between 4 and 22 floors. The scheme would also revitalise the tired St. Catherine’s Place shopping arcade;
BRI car park

BRI car park

Planning Issues /
University Hospitals Bristol has made an outline planning application for permission to demolish its 180-place multi-storey car park above Marlborough Street and to replace it with an 820-place car park.
Missed air quality deadline

Missed air quality deadline

Air Quality, Campaigns & Projects /
The Council has missed the government’s end-2018 deadline for deciding its preferred choice from the short list of options for getting air quality within legal limits.
BRI Charity Universal Building

Bristol Royal Infirmary update

Planning Issues /
Unite, who are the current owners of the Charity Universal Building, have not so far proceeded with their appeal against the planning refusal of their first planning application.