Plans to build 140 homes on former Network Rail compound will ‘breathe new life’ into Horfield

Plans to build 140 new houses on a disused brownfield site in Horfield will ‘breathe new life’ into the area while providing much-needed affordable homes, developers say.

If given the green light the major project, by Keepmoat Homes, would see the development of 76 one and two-bedroom apartments and 64 houses including two and three-storey homes at the site on Dovercourt Road.

The patch of land is close to Muller Recreation Ground and has previously been used as a compound by Network Rail, Bristol City Council and Bristol Water.

Councillor Tom Renhard, cabinet member for Housing Delivery and Homes said: “This partnership presents a fantastic opportunity for us to transform this under-used brownfield site and build more affordable homes in a great area of Bristol.

“By focusing on building the new homes sustainably, as well as improving the local environment as part of the proposals, the scheme can help us to meet Bristol’s housing need, while responding to the climate and ecological emergencies.

“I look forward to working with the community and our partners as the proposals are developed to make sure that any new development complements and supports the existing neighbourhood.”

The new homes would benefit from improvements to the building fabric to increase energy efficiency, as well as low carbon heating systems.

The scheme also aims to provide ecological enhancements to improve nature conservation and biodiversity within the site and wider area, with woodlands adjacent to the site being retained.

Charlotte Goode, regional managing director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “We are very proud to be a partnership-based business and look forward to working collaboratively with Goram Homes and Bristol City Council on this exciting project.

“The new development will offer a range of homes, including affordable housing, allowing people to buy or rent a new home in a brilliant suburb of Bristol.

“We have a strong track record of delivering high-quality homes across the country and look forward to redeveloping the area, and creating a strong community feel both within and outside of the development, helping to breathe new life into the Horfield area.”

An application for outline planning permission is expected to be submitted over the coming weeks.