Developers unveil tweaked plans for hundreds of new student homes in Bedminster

Developers have unveiled tweaked proposals for a huge student accommodation complex in Bedminster after residents raised concerns over the scheme.

Watkin Jones, which has acquired the site on Malago Road from Deeley Freed, is moving forward with plans for a parcel of land which will form part of so-called Bedminster Green under regeneration plans.

The Pring and Hill site, plot 1 in the council plans, will see 432 student flats built - more than a 100 fewer homes than the 590 initially proposed as part of rejected plans for the plot.

After hearing concerns from residents over the project, particularly over the heights of the buildings, the plans are now looking ‘very different’, say the developers.

Watkin Jones added that in a ‘new beginning’ for the project the number of buildings will now drop from four to three and the buildings will be ‘lower’.

Tony Garner, development director for Watkin Jones, said: “This is an opportunity to transform a disused brownfield site to support lowering student demand for local housing, as well as boost the wider investment in Bedminster.

“We estimate that this development would generate up to £2.4 million a year in student spending that could reinvigorate and support local businesses on East Street and across the rest of Bedminster.”

Mr Garner said the firm had ‘really listened to, and acted on’ what residents aid during previous consultation exercises and public meetings.

He added: “This is why we’re proposing a much smaller scheme with a look and feel that will match the wider Bedminster Green regeneration site.

“This is a new beginning for the site, and we will keep listening, which is why we want to hear people’s views before submitting a planning application.”

The scheme would open up a new route along the restored Malago riverfront and a public park accessible to the broader community.

Residents of the scheme would be encouraged to use public transport or the storage space for 116 bikes. The only cars allowed would be three disabled car spaces with EV charging.

The Malago Road project forms the final planning application to be submitted for the Bedminster Green regeneration area.

If approved, work would be expected to be completed in 2024.

Residents are still being invited to have their say at malagoroad.co.uk or by calling 0800 130 3270.

There will be a drop-in consultation event at the Bedminster Methodist Church from 3pm - 7pm on Monday, July 25.