Plans approved for first phase of huge Bristol housing development
An entire new neighbourhood will be built at Hengrove Park
Plans have been approved for the first phase of a huge new housing development in Bristol, being called the city's largest in a generation.
The City Council's own developer Goram Homes wants to build 1,435 homes at Hengrove Park in South Bristol, with plans now signed off for the first 209, which will be a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, plus three and four bedroom houses.
Around half the total number of homes will be affordable, with 60 of the first 209 set to be available for social rent and shared ownership.
Their heating and hot water will be provided through heat pumps in a new energy centre for the development.
Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, said: “Hengrove Park is a brilliant example of Goram Homes transforming council land into high quality, energy-efficient homes, with council housing in the numbers we really need.
“A third of the UK’s carbon emissions come from heating, which is why we must build sustainable homes to tackle the climate emergency.
"This is a long-term project that’s building the right homes, in the right place, and it will be a significant moment when diggers start on site later this year.”
The overall plans received outline planning permission in 2020, including a public park and new community and sports facilities as well as the homes.
Following consultation the height of proposed apartment blocks was reduced from five storeys to four.
Stephen Baker, Managing Director of Goram Homes, said: "Thank you to everyone who helped us shape our plans. We know how important this site is to local people, so we’ll continue to work alongside neighbours, community groups and those passionate about making Hengrove Park a thriving new neighbourhood.
“We’re not only building much needed new homes here, we’re also creating new facilities and public spaces for the whole Hengrove and Whitchurch community to enjoy.
"So please continue to get involved as we develop our plans for further phases.”
The first phase of the redesigned park includes accessible all-weather pathways, seating and socialising spaces to gather and play, and a pond and wetland areas with boardwalks and decking.
Construction on the first phase of new homes, to be built to the east of South Bristol Community Hospital, is due to start towards the end of the year.
Susan Scholfield, Regional Managing Director of Vistry Bristol, said: “Hengrove Park is a once-in-a-generation development opportunity for Bristol and we’re very excited that detailed plans for the first 209 homes have been approved.
"Working in partnership with Goram Homes, we are set to transform this brownfield site into a thriving new neighbourhood, providing mixed-tenure homes at scale and a wide range of housing choices for the local community.”