The Society has commented on this development proposal, which is another high-rise tower block for predominantly student accommodation between Albert Road and the river. This one is close to the junction with Feeder Road, to the south of the newly-built similar development called Avon Point. Two similar consented developments lie to the south, with one remaining industrial site in between these and the application site.
The development comprises a square tower of 17 storeys and a curved block of 7 storeys, with some floorspace for commercial and healthcare. It would add to the domination by tall orthogonal buildings of the west side of Albert Road. It would contribute to a dense cluster of tall buildings emerging on both sides of the river in this area, which would have very harmful impacts on a number of long-distance views.
A monoculture of student use is developing in this area. The concentration of student accommodation here and on the island site west of the river will do little to foster a vibrant community, as called for in the draft masterplan for St Philip’s Marsh that is out to consultation.
To have one student complex (already build) is perhaps acceptable but to have three (one being built) and this proposal does nothing to enhace the area and help build a community infrastructure. I am against this third ‘clone’ building that will just be a visual copy of the other two buildings.