Bristol planning latest: combustible cladding, Domino's pizza, and 9 new flats above old bank

Over the past seven days, those applications also included converting the floors above a former bank into flats and opening a new children’s home. Here’s this week’s round-up of notable planning applications submitted to the council.

Every week dozens are validated by the local authority and we have selected some of the more interesting proposals. All planning applications submitted to the council have to be validated and are available for inspection by the public. Anyone is also allowed to submit comments about the applications — whether in support or objection.

The majority of applications are decided by planning officers at the council under delegated powers. However, some will go before elected councillors who sit on planning committees. No dates have been set for when the planning applications below will be determined. They can be viewed by going to the planning portal on Bristol City Council’s website.

Replacing combustible cladding on serviced apartments

Combustible cladding on a serviced apartment building could soon be removed and replaced. Marsh House is on Marsh Street in the city centre, just off Baldwin Street. The new cladding would appear the same, but comply with current fire safety regulations and building standards.

Some of the existing cladding is made from expanded polystyrene insulation, a combustible sort of cladding that was also used on many tower blocks of council flats in Bristol. A fire three years ago at the council-owned Eccleston House sparked concerns of the widespread use of EPS.

In planning documents, architects said: “The materials proposed have been carefully selected for their high levels of fire resistance, durability, and suitability for external façade applications. Their use reflects a clear commitment to enhancing life safety, reducing fire risk, and achieving full compliance with the latest building safety legislation.”

Nine flats above a former bank

The floors above a former bank in Knowle could be converted into nine flats. The Natwest branch on the Wells Road closed two years ago. Now developers are planning to convert some of the three-storey building into apartments and put two shops on the ground floor.

New Dominos pizza opening

A new Dominos pizza takeaway could open in the Imperial Retail Park in South Bristol. The pizza chain has applied for planning permission to put new signs up on an empty unit at the shopping centre, where Papa John’s used to be, a rival pizza takeaway.

There is another Dominos in the nearby Hengrove Leisure Park, although it’s unclear whether this one will stay open. Hengrove Leisure Park used to be home to a cinema and a bingo hall, but in recent years has become deserted, apart from a couple of fast food restaurants, a small Premier Inn, and a giant empty car park often used by learner drivers.

New children’s home

Supported living accommodation on Knole Lane in Brentry could soon be converted into a new children’s home. The home would provide a “safe and caring environment” for vulnerable children aged between eight and 17 years old. This would include children affected by family breakdown, homelessness or unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

The three-bedroom home would be run by 16 Plus Care Solutions. There would be space for two children and a bedroom for staff. Sensors are fitted to the front and back doors, alerting the staff if children leave during the night. CCTV cameras are on the outside of the house, but wouldn’t be used inside the building.

In planning documents, applicants said: “We want to provide a stable, safe, and secure living environment for children to proudly call home and where they receive the care and support that will enable them to fulfil their potential.

“We care for children with complex needs, and emotional and behavioural difficulties providing a therapeutic environment alongside an experienced and dedicated care team.”