Bristol City Council Faces Backlash Over Plans to Reduce Affordable Homes in Major Development

Developers, Donard Homes, are seeking to cut the number of affordable homes in a planned 220-flat development on the River Avon in Bristol from 66 to 25, citing rising construction costs and new fire regulations. Bristol City Council planning officers are recommending approval of the revised plans, despite initial concerns over the quality of life for residents in the proposed flats. The council will make a final decision on the matter this week.

Key Takeaways:

• Donard Homes is seeking to reduce the number of affordable homes in their 220-flat development from 66 to 25, arguing that it is the only way to make the project financially viable.
• The proposed development has been plagued by delays and re-submissions of plans, with the developer citing increasing costs in the building industry and new fire regulations as the main reasons for the changes.
• Bristol City Council planning officers are recommending approval of the revised plans, despite initial concerns over the quality of life for residents in the proposed flats.
• The developer claims that the revised plans meet the requirements of the local draft plan, which allocated the site for housing.
• The change would mean a reduction in the number of homes allocated to families on the local housing waiting list from 30% to 11.3%.

Statistics:

• The planned development would include 220 new flats.
• The number of affordable homes would be reduced from 66 to 25.
• The proportion of homes allocated to families on the local housing waiting list would decrease from 30% to 11.3%.
• The project has been delayed due to rising construction costs and new fire regulations.

Sources:

• "Developer blames rising costs and new fire regulations for plans to cut affordable homes in Bristol development", Bristol Post, (No date mentioned in original text)
• "Plans to cut affordable homes in major Bristol Development", BBC News, (No date mentioned in original text)