Plans are set to be approved to build 13 homes on a patch of inner-city Bristol scrubland and create a nature reserve.

Residents who live near the site next to Stibbs Hill in St George have objected to the scheme.

But council planning officials say that a properly-managed wildlife sanctuary together with the new homes would be an improvement.

Weston-super-Mare-based firm Land Promotions Ltd wants to build 10 three-bed and three two-bed homes on the southern edge of the site near Marion Walk.

The nature reserve would occupy the northern area of the site where most of the mature trees are located.

Councillors will decide on Wednesday whether to grant planning permission.

An ecologist's report says the site contains dense scrub, scattered trees, bracken, hedgerows, shrubs and stone walls.

Bats have been seen on the site and badgers have used the area for years. It is also used by nesting birds, slow worms and small mammals and foxes.

The council sent a letter to nearly 80 residents to find out their views.

Fifteen replies were received by the council which objected to the plans.

Residents were worried that the natural wildlife would be lost and preferred to see the site develop as natural woodland or be used as an open play space.

There were also fears over noise and disturbance and parking and highway issues if the new homes were built.

The planning officers say that as long as conditions are included in the planning consent to safeguard the ecology of the site, then permission should be given.