#Update 24 Planning Officers report is out
The council report is out ahead of next Wednesday’s crucial committee meeting - and planning officers are still recommending REFUSAL.
A quick round up of main points and then some info on what you can do to help your community.
The plans have not changed at all - they are the same as last time.
You can see the report in detail here. It remains highly critical of the scheme.
Officers say there are two main reasons for refusal: 1) overdevelopment and 2) unacceptable loss of trees. A 3rd reason regarding overheating and sustainability is still being debated.
Many of the complaints by the developers of ‘unfairness’, which delayed the decision last time, have been dismissed by council officers, who say that nothing changes their recommendation to refuse.
Our criticism of the scheme remains the same and we support the recommended refusal.
We continue to have concerns about road safety and parking.
We are deeply concerned to see that developers are being allowed to offer a derisory cash alternative in lieu of replacing any SEND provision onsite. This is a dangerous precedent regarding SEND funding and the planning process.
We also dispute the developers exaggerated claims of public benefit - this is nothing more than a luxury, gated complex with no guarantees of public access. In fact, the report now states that Grace House and the spa WILL NOT be open to the public.
Councillors will make their decision next Wednesday August 9th at 2pm at the council house.
Please show your support and get the message across to councillors. You can:
✍🏼 Write a short statement to councillors to tell them what you think. **They will read this the day before they make a decision! ** Email democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk referencing Planning Application 22/01221/F. The deadline is midday on Tuesday 8th August. It only needs to be a paragraph or two!
🗣 Register to speak at the meeting itself next week - indicate in your statement email that you’d like to be given a 1 minute slot
👏🏻 Support us from the public gallery at the Council House on Wednesday August 9th at 2pm - the more the merrier.
💻 Watch the meeting live: LINK TO LIVE BROADCAST
📱Follow us on social media for all updates Twitter and Instagram
So.... we’ve been here before but we have got everything crossed the developers don't pull out again at the last minute. They’ve mucked us all around enough.
We now hope & trust that those councillors sitting on the planning committee will follow the wise guidance from the experienced planning officers and reject this appalling application outright.
Then we can start to think about a kinder, better and wiser use of the site that brings genuine community & public benefit.
Click here to find out how the council meeting and decision making process works.