Bristol group objects to "totally inappropriate" city centre plans
A developer wants to knock down the old Debenhams building and replace it with flats
An independent Bristol planning group says it objects to a major proposal for the city centre, "in the strongest terms."
Last year Real Estate management company AEW revealed it wants to knock down the old Debenhams building by the Bear Pit roundabout and replace it with flats, including a 28-storey tower block.
Alongside AWW Architects they say they want to bring "life and activation" to the area and address the housing crisis, but in a new statement the Bristol Civic Society says such a tall building would be "totally inappropriate".
"We have objected in the strongest terms to the planning application for the redevelopment of the Debenhams building," a statement published on the Society's website reads.
"We have underlined that, like anybody else who cares about Bristol, we see tackling the housing crisis as a priority for the city.
"We also want to see a vibrant city centre.
"It is not, therefore, the principle of housing that concerns us, or even the prospect of taller buildings, but the massing of these proposals, their overwhelming bulk, the totally inappropriate height of a 28-storey tower in this location and the lack of decent, affordable, homes."
So severe is the lack of affordable housing in Bristol, there are currently more than 20,000 people on a waiting list for a city council property.
In total, the developers propose creating 514 one and two bed flats for rent, of which 20 per cent would be classed as affordable.
They would feature shared rooftop terraces and "co-working spaces", with a 24/7 concierge service at the entrance.
In total four new buildings would be created to house the flats.
Two so called "podium buildings" would be built on either side of a new Barr's Street, with between nine and 12 storeys.
Another two buildings would then sit between the current Debenhams site and Primark, with one taller 28 storey building acting as a new "northern gateway" into Broadmead.
It is that 28 storey proposal, that the Civic Society takes issue with.
"In our objection we emphasise that height of the tower is alien to the Bristol loved by many, both residents and visitors, and the sort of Bristol the clear majority, when asked, have consistently said they do not want," their statement continues.
"We are very concerned that despite the clear expressions of public preference the city council steamrollers on, encouraging developers to bring forward 28-storey towers in advance of any consideration through the formal local planning process; and without the clear strategy for tall buildings the Civic Society, and others, have repeatedly called for.
"In our view, and we have said this to the city council planners, Bristol deserves better than these proposals.
"We can house our citizens in decent, affordable homes and densify with civilised dignity in ways that keep the essence of Bristol."
Since the proposals were revealed last November they have received dozens more objections on the city council's website, compared to comments in support.
We have contacted the developers and Bristol City Council for comment.