Hundreds of rental apartments planned for ‘car free’ complex in Bedminster

Plans have taken a step forward on a ‘build-to-rent’ project in Bedminster with more details emerging on what the scheme could look like. Bristol World revealed earlier this year that The PG Group wanted to build more than 200 homes on the former Selco warehouse site in Sheene Way.

Now, the group has approached Bristol City Council ahead of lodging a planning application, asking for an agreement that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required ahead of the full submission of plans. It claims the development site is not a recognised environmentally sensitive area.

In paperwork submitted, the group states that the development will consist of up to 225 flats over ‘several high-density flatted blocks’ which will be a mix of rental properties for the open market and affordable and social housing.

The heights of the blocks will range from five to 11 storeys. This comes after a consultation was held in July where the public were shown two options, with one for a 12-storey block at the site.

And the group has said that the development will be ‘car free with the exception of policy compliant disabled parking provision’. Pedestrian and vehicle access will be provided from Sheene Way. There will be ‘sufficient’ secure cycle storage provided.

The mix of one, two and three bedroom flats could be in addition to five housing projects planned as part of regeneration work in nearby ‘Bedminster Green’, where more than 2,000 new homes are planned over five sites.

Earlier this year, The PG Group said they intended to start work on the project in the spring of 2023 - but the group will first need planning permission from Bristol City Council.

Speaking in April, chief operating officer Dave Gray said: “Breathing new life into empty or derelict sites in and around the city has always been our mission and the Selco project is perfect example of this ethos where design and place making are always at the heart of any development we undertake.”