Bristol housing development 'in breach'

A Speedwell housing development, built as part of a flagship Bristol City Council partnership, is in breach of its own planning permission according to local residents.

A group of neighbours in Poplar Road are furious that a multi-million pound scheme to build social housing has robbed them of their views of the city.

The neighbours, who between them have notched up hundreds of years of residence, said that new homes, The Hollies, in Mallard Close, are not in line with submitted plans.

They are calling for the site, being developed by Bovis Homes in partnership with the council, Sovereign South and West and the Homes and Communities Agency, to be pulled down and rebuilt in line with the original plans.

Frances Coles, 66, has lived on the road since she was one-year-old when her grandfather owned a property. She now lives with her husband Ray, 69.

She said: "We were promised repeatedly that we would retain our view, that's the reason why most people on this street bought their homes but now all we can see if a few feet of sky.

"From the house you can see as far as Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill, you can even make out the Suspension Bridge. When its the Balloon Fiesta, we get loads of people coming up to watch from the road. When Concorde made its last flight it was the same.

"We've had two planning officers come out and assess the situation and both said the work was in breach of the permission. But the work just carries on."

The site, which previously housed pre-fab homes is part of a £20 million development to build including 151 properties. This will include 32 council social rented houses and bungalows, 51 social rented and intermediate rented houses and apartments and 68 houses and apartments for sale. Last month John Healey MP, Minister for Housing and Planning visited the flagship development.

The building work at Mallard Close has been funded by a £3,617,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency; £558,000 from Bristol City Council and £4,273,732 through Sovereign South and West's private finance and reserves.

Greta and Terry Sheppard, who have lived on the road for 44 years, said they were sickened by the development. Mrs Sheppard, 71, said: "We had consultation but they have gone ahead and done what they wanted anyway. It makes you wonder why they bothered. The road is so narrow we'll be looking directly into those houses and they'll be able to do the same to us."

Wayne and Amanda Hoyle, who have lived on the road for 17 years, said they were worried the value of their homes had been reduced because of the works.

Mr Hoyle, 52, who works for Western Power, said: "We never opposed the development and new build houses are not an eyesore but they haven't stuck to the plans.

"We thought they would build down the bank, the plans said they would be set lower down the road but instead they are almost on the same level as our houses. It will have knocked thousands off the value because now all you can see is into the house opposite."

Mrs Hoyle, 38, who works as a hairdresser, said: "The first thing the kids said was; 'How are we going to see the balloons?'. I know if I had built something and it was in breach of planning permission it would be pulled down so why should it be any different here?"

Kate Hartas, spokeswoman for BCC, said: "The council is in the middle of an investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment at this stage."

Ruth McDonagh, spokeswoman for Bovis Homes, said: "We are aware of concerns that have been voiced by some residents regarding the height of homes in one area of the development and we are liaising with Bristol City Council's enforcement officer who visited the site recently.

"As far as we are aware the heights of these homes are all in accordance with the approved planning application, but in light of the residents' concerns this is now being checked by the enforcement officer."