Plans for a new apartment-hotel in a conservation area near the Christmas Steps in Bristol city centre are set to be given the green light this week.
But local residents and businesses have raised fears the new building would be far too large to fit into a tight yard off Colston Street. Only a tiny lane leads into the yard and locals are concerned that 18 months of building works could cause major disruption to the area.
Developers are applying for permission to convert offices at 1A to 1C Colston Yard into an eight-bedroom shared house and a 20-bedroom serviced apartments block. Planning officers are recommending that development control committee A approves the scheme.
Read mor e: Bristol City Council's energy bills more than double
Writing to the council’s planning department, Councillor Ani Stafford-Townsend said: “The proximity to homes and businesses on Colston Street is too much and too overbearing. A development so high would block out much light, especially to lower units. The design also includes much potential of over-looking and the loss of privacy for residents.
“The noise during construction would be incredibly detrimental to residents and businesses alike. The building through which Colston Yard is accessed is inhabited by many businesses, and that includes at least five therapists who require a calm, quiet setting to provide much needed mental health support. The noise from the construction would prevent the therapists from carrying out their work.”
Neil Hansford, owner of the Bristol Violin Shop on Upper Maudlin Street, also said: “As a business we have access to and make use of the yard to the rear of the shop. The yard is an integral part of our business, and is used to load and then take musical instruments to customers. Any hindrance in accessing the rear yard is going to seriously impede our business at a very difficult time.”
The development control committee will vote on whether to grant permission at a meeting on Wednesday, October 5.
Read next:
- Boost to climate projects across west of England as millions of investment agreed
- Clean Air Zone: Almost half of taxi applications rejected
- Clifton pub concerned it may have to reduce opening hours due to electric costs
- Millions to be invested on new bus stops while services are being axed
- The food waste apps that can help you save money during cost of living crisis
