Campaigning for the sensitive & appropriate development of St. Christopher’s
Low rise. Low density. Low impact.
Latest news
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Latest news **
St Christopher’s has been sold
The site has been earmarked for residential development
The sale on the St Christopher’s site has now been finalised: the new owner is London-based Square Bay Property and the developer will be Acorn Property Group, the same developers as the controversial Bristol Zoo Gardens scheme.
A confidential pre-application has already been submitted to the city council for what we understand will be a residential development.
Details of this plan have not yet been made public yet but Square Bay has told SCAN that Grace House, the grade 2 listed part of the old school will probably be turned into flats, some of the large villas facing the downs will be converted into flats and others refurbished as single homes, the rest of the site will be 2-3 storey houses. There are no further details at this stage.
What is also not clear yet, is how the new owners intend to fulfil the obligations of the Asset of Community Value status, which can influence a planning decision. This status means that any new developer must bring about a scheme that contains genuine “social well being benefit” for the community. Many have mentioned green space for the local school as a possibility, and a respite home for children with disabilities.
We are awaiting info about when any community consultation will start - we hope sooner, rather than later. And we will let you know how you can get involved.
Rest assured, SCAN will make sure that the new owners are fully aware of the community’s hopes, priorities and concerns.
The site had been on sale for almost a year - with interest from multiple bidders. It was marketed by Savills with a guide price of £10 million.
Recent photos of the site indicate it’s not being cared for and is being allowed to become overgrown
We are a voluntary community campaign group in Bristol.
We want the best possible development for our neighbourhood and our city.
Let’s work together to bring this site back to life for the community!
What is an ACV and why does it matter?
The St Christopher’s School site has been awarded ‘Asset of Community Value’ (ACV) status by Bristol City Council.
The title means the community has much more say over the future of the site and any development. This official legal protection recognises the contribution the school made to the local community in Bristol and also recognises that the site could be a key part of any SEND provision or other community benefit in the future.
Any future development must show it will provide a ‘social wellbeing benefit’ to the community as part of any scheme - and a proposal could be refused in the planning process if it fails to fulfill this requirement.
So the importance of the ACV status will be taken into consideration with any future planning application. It is what is called a ‘material consideration’. Bristol City Council has confirmed to SCAN that this means the status will be relevant if and when an application to develop the site is submitted.
Need more information or help?
Just email us! On: stchristophersactionnetwork@gmail.com
We’re here to help you have your voice heard.
**Let's work together to bring this site back to serve the community**
**Let's work together to bring this site back to serve the community**
An aerial view of the St Christopher’s site with the listed Grade 2 listed Grace House in the foreground
What is SCAN?
SCAN was created as a community group in September 2021 with the sole aim of ensuring the site of the former St Christopher’s School is developed with the community in mind and is both sensitive to the history and heritage of the site as well as appropriate for our community and everyone who lives and works here.
We have a core group of volunteer members who meet regularly - and we are constantly working behind the scenes to press for St Christopher’s to be developed in a way that benefits the community and Bristol as a whole.
We have established excellent relationships with all our local councillors, other campaign & community groups like the long-established Westbury Park Community Association. We are working as transparently, collaboratively and inclusively as possible.
