Units 1,3,4+5 Avon Trading Estate, Albert Road (white in the featured image)
The proposals are a pre application for the demolition of the existing buildings, redevelopment to provide a new primary-care facility, food store and purpose-built student accommodation within a new building along with ancillary amenity space, associated plant and cycle storage.
The Society must object to the proposals for the following reasons.
This is another development within the April 2023 agreed St Phillips Marsh/Temple Quarter development framework which is a material consideration for any planning application. The uses envisaged with the framework called for residential led use and I doubt that meant student accommodation in the quantity slowly being developed along the river edge. The idea of creating a mixed-use masterplan to create a new community, using the natural landscape as its background in this area is being eroded by multitudes of Purpose-built Student Accommodation.
The Society welcomes the inclusion of the flood defence, public realm enhancements the greenway, boulevard and landscaping. The applicant has taken account of the flood defences proposed by BCC. The layout allows permeability through and around the site from the river to Albert Road, thus, allowing for servicing and pedestrian routing. We are encouraged by the use of terraces above the flood defences creating good open areas for enjoyment and wellbeing and even pop-up events.
The framework also states that this site is one that could be of a higher density. The adjacent sites interpretation of higher density has developed as taller, as Bristol City Council have approved schemes of well over 18 storeys. Tall buildings should be used as way makers for orienting yourself around a city and not obliterating the historic views and character of a city. The adjoining sites planning approval has a commercial building of only 5/6 storeys and therefore we would suggest a better relationship with the adjacent building should be developed by lowering this scheme along this side of the proposed development.
Ian Jenkins