Waterside redevelopment scheme set for green light

Plans for a residential redevelopment of the old Payne’s Shipyard and Vauxhall House site in Bristol are set to move forward after being recommended for approval.Crest Nicholson is seeking permission for a development of 154 homes and newly created public space located within the City Docks Conservation Area..The scheme has been designed to open up access to a part of the River Avon that is currently closed to the public from Coronation Road.Buildings on site are in a dilapidated state, generally of an industrial character and varying footprints, set behind a high stone wall along the Coronation Road frontage. This is with the exception of Vauxhall house, which is more recent than the other buildings on site and of a flat roofed form, fronting Coronation Road.Permission is sought for the demolition of all existing properties to pave the way for the development of four buildings of between four and five storeys. Fifty-six car parking spaces are proposed. Much of the existing stone boundary wall to the Coronation Road frontage would be retained, but at a reduced height and with increased extent of openings.Despite identifiable shortfalls of the proposed development, including issues relating to the housing mix and the proposed heating system, the application has been recommended for approval ahead of a Bristol City Council planning meeting next week.Negotiation has taken place in relation to highways and flood risk matters, with amendments made during the course of the application to result in a scheme that is now supported by BCC Highways and flood risk officers, as well as the Environment Agency.According to a report to be scrutinised by planners, the proposal would provide much-needed housing and make efficient use of a sustainably located site. The design, which is supported by BCC Urban Design and conservation officers, is said to provide a modern development that respects “the heritage and architectural qualities of the conservation area within which it would be located”.The proposal also represents the first residential development to come forward within the Western Harbour area, where there are aspirations for the wider redevelopment of sites for a mix of uses, including housing. The development would incorporate a publicly accessible riverside walkway which could be extended as other sites come forward, providing improved connectivity as well as opening up previously private views of surrounding heritage assets.On balance, the shortfalls of the scheme are said to be outweighed by the benefits of the proposal.Professionals working on the project include Nash Partnership and Scott Brownrigg.