“Broomhill and Brislington is already becoming over populated, the last thing we need is more housing. The greenspace that's being put forward for development is a wonderful haven for birds, bees and wildlife, with historical trees and hedgerows. These fields are enjoyed by young and old alike, after all, it's said that we should encourage our children to get back to nature. It would be criminal if these fields are developed on. As for more industrial use, there are already unused units and factories on the trading estate so why build more?”

“Whenever proposals for any development are made there will always be those for and against. Those against are (nearly) always branded as a NIMBY, usually by those people who feel they have to give an opinion despite it not affecting them one iota, eg Derek and Annette. It is an entirely natural reaction as who wants to see their local area changed irrevocably to the detriment of them, their friends and families, both now and in the future? It is also an easy way of hiding other, more pertinent, arguments, such as the effect on the local infrastructure and alternative sites.

The proposals, which for anyone who hasn¿t seen them can be viewed in a library, indicate that access will be via the industrial estate opposite Toys R Us. This will, no doubt, involve another set of traffic lights slowing up the already desperately slow traffic even more. The Council¿s record on road control isn¿t exactly stunning so it is unlikely they can come up with a sensible solution. Take, for example, the stupidity of the light sequence at the West Town Lane junction, digging up the road again at the bottom of Sandy Park, the money wasted in moving a pedestrian crossing 10 metres along the road etc.

Schooling and other amenities should also be considered if the option chosen is for housing. There are a number of primary schools in the area but do these have the ability to cope for an influx of new children? I doubt it and I also doubt whether any new school(s) will be built to cope with a probable increased demand, particularly in view of the spending cuts on schooling all ready imposed by the Government and the cancelling of the school building program. This will drive more people on to the roads to take their children to the nearest available school, increasing the congestion further.

New families will also need to be registered with a doctor and dentist ¿ are there enough of these in the area to cope with more people? Again, I doubt it. The only people probably rubbing their hands with glee at the possibility of more residents are the owners and shareholders of Tesco, Sainsbury and other shops who can see increased profit, regardless of the environmental harm that will be caused.

Turning to alternative sites, there is so much desolate, unused land that could be used instead it is a wonder that this isn¿t being considered. Perhaps it is not council owned and won¿t raise any funds for them if it is sold or used for development. Examples are the ground next to Majestic Wine, the land cleared next to Temple Meads, the old Post Office site also next to Temple Meads and the land where the Clerical Medical and IBM buildings once stood? All of these are prime sites, offer easy access to the town and are not all in one area, thus spreading the affect on schools, doctors etc.

There are lots of issues to be considered, not just NIMBYism!”

“I think a few people are missing the point here. This is another community protesting about parks and other green spaces within the built up area being sold off cheap by the council for shoebox housing.

The open space consultation is a sham - there is no mention of selling off Canford Park or any of the other areas in Westbury on Trym - only selling off the areas in working class areas. The Downs would make excellent housing land - flat space on main bus routes.”

“Sue.I think you missed my point.On a bike or by car you are minutes from some of the most beautiful countryside in England.You appear to agree with the chap who thinks people should be pushed into any available space in the inner City but that they should also wish to live in semi-rural areas,God forbid!Seen the TV series "Mine all Mine"?”

“i wonder if derek, was in briz but obviously now is not ever appreciated the beautiful green space we are so lucky to have and want to keep in brislington. obviously not as he chose to move away! i have lived in brislington all my life and will do what ever i can to keep this small part of green space for my children, grandchildren and for generations to come! and no, too right i say "not in my back yard" we work too boody hard to pay for our own homes in a nice area and we dont want this!!!!!”

“Agree more housing is needed, that's not the issue here, but not at the expense of greenfield sites.

Just looking around Bristol there are more than enough sites which have been left derelict for years which could provide the housing needed, would cost more than building on 'clear land' but is the disappearance of non-recoverable green space worth the cheaper option?”

“All those kids in the photos demonstrate a clear requirement for more and more homes to be built to house them all in the future.”

“You could fit 10,000 1-bed boxes on Ashton Court estate.
Why is this hallowed ground?”

“One of the suggestions is to use the brownfield site of the disused buildings on the industrial estate, still in the 'backyard' but makes more sense. So it isn't a case of NIMBY but more the common sense approach not being taken.

The building on a greenfield site doesn't make sense when there are other options in the same area which make a lot more sense.

Brislington is also a pretty 'congested' area as it is and as pointed out the local services are pretty much full but of course Bristol City Council would sort that wouldn't it?”

“As I have said so many times before Tanya,you own (presumably) your house and garden and NOTHING else.With Bristol surrounded with beautiful countryside,why do you think you have any right to try to dictate where other people should or should not live? We have had this so many times,(Long Ashton,Nailsea,Clevedon etc,etc.The sheer cheek of people who buy a small plot of land and expect it to stay surrounded by countryside amazes me.Does the saying Not In My BackYard ring a bell?”