An eyesore pub gutted by fire in 2019 can be bought forcibly to unlock a regeneration of Lockleaze, Bristol City Council cabinet has agreed for the second time. Councillors approved a compulsory purchase order (CPO) back in September 2019 for the Gainsborough and a nearby semi-detached house at 16 Branwhite Close, but so much time has passed since then that lawyers advised them to reconfirm the decision.
The derelict pub shut in 2010 and was severely damaged in a blaze three years ago. Mayor Marvin Rees told the latest cabinet meeting on Tuesday, May 10, that planning permission had been obtained for 48 homes, all classed as affordable, at the Gainsborough Square site.
This involves the local authority acquiring and bulldozing both buildings, but neither sale has been completed despite lengthy negotiations and a CPO will be issued if agreement cannot be reached with the owners. Mr Rees said: “The scheme presents an opportunity to regenerate this section of Gainsborough Square, which is the commercial centre of Lockleaze.
Read more: Gainsborough pub in Lockleaze is 'very close' to being bought
“As part of this, planning permission has been approved for 48 new homes, with 100 per cent affordable proposed and a majority likely to be new council houses.” The Labour mayor said it continued the administration’s progress to deliver 1,000 affordable homes a year from 2024 following the council’s recent announcement of its best figures in 12 years.
He said the building had been an “eyesore” for too long and that the redevelopment would include new space for business and community use. Deputy mayor Cllr Craig Cheney said: “It’s brilliant to see it coming forward. It has been long in the making and I know it’s been a real problem for local residents, so it’s great to see it finally happening.”
A report to members said a number of offers had been made from the authority to buy the pub but the owner had rejected them. It said: “Bristol City Council officers have met the owner and will continue to offer constructive dialogue in an effort to purchase the property on the open market via negotiation.
“Following recent discussions with the owner they are still unwilling to consider a sale. Offers by other parties are also understood to have been rejected by the owner. The Gainsborough remains unoccupied and in a worsening condition in an area of regeneration.
“Officers consider that a CPO is justified to facilitate a residential-led development which both promotes and improves the economic and social wellbeing of the area.” The report said an offer had been accepted by the owners of 16 Branwhite Close on the basis that the family living there would be rehoused, but no council properties had been accepted so far.
It said: “In the event a deal is satisfactorily concluded then no CPO will be required for this property. If there is a failure to acquire by agreement, a CPO will be required.” Up to £700,000 has been set aside for the purchase and associated costs from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, while various other Whitehall sources have been secured for the long-term regeneration of the area.
The report said: “Acquisition of land using CPO powers should be an option of last resort. In the light of the significant public benefit that would arise from the project being taken forward it is considered appropriate to make the CPO to acquire the land required to implement the scheme. Legal advice is that an updated cabinet approval should be obtained.”
