Redevelopment of the NCP car park at Fairfax Street, Bristol for student housing
The Society appreciates that the design of this development has greatly improved since the submission of the initial pre application enquiry. The proposed brick detailing at ground floor is particularly welcomed and the entrance to the student accommodation is very attractive.
Despite our enthusiasm for the ground floor design, we still consider that the development is too high and that it should be two floors lower. This would create a much better relationship with the neighbouring Pithay development (Programme). As proposed, the excessive height will create a dark canyon effect along All Saints Street and will have a very significant depressing impact both on the public realm and also on the adjacent neighbours.
Simon Birch
It is wholly incorrect that this development it too high, it is perfectly in keeping with surrounding buildings and steps down to The Lanes. It will also not be remotely depressing at public realm level because it is an immeasurable improvement to the existing public realm of the derelict carpark, these views expressed are purely ideological and not based on reasonable facts. The Society should be far more concerned with the saturation of student housing in this area; it should be classic residential or student+residential or office space to offer sustainable, long term benefits to the local area and economy rather than seasonal.