More than 150 objections made against redeveloping Broadwalk shopping centre

A growing number of objections have been submitted to Bristol City Council about the plans to redevelop Broadwalk shopping centre in Knowle.

The plans include buildings that are 12-storeys high with 850 flats and a 57% reduction on retail and community space. The shopping centre currently houses branches of B&M and Iceland, as well as a number of smaller stores and the popular Club 3000 Bingo.

There have been nearly 160 letters of objection sent to the planning department, with just 14 residents pledging their support for the project.

Although many local residents support the actual redevelopment of the 1970s-built shopping centre, there are widespread concerns about the height of the proposed buildings, which people say could overshadow the neighbouring Redcatch Park and nearby buildings.

There are also concerns over the density of the homes proposed as part of the redevelopment, which are higher than the density recommended by the council’s own planning policy and Knowle’s current density.

Residents are also worried that there are insufficient plans for local services such as schools, doctors and childcare.

Objectors also point out that the proposal of 7% of affordable and social housing falls short of the council’s 30% target.

Stockwood councillor Jonathan Hucker objected to the application. He said his main concerns are the height and density of the residential units, the lack of affordable housing and parking, plus the loss of retail and leisure facilities (the proposed scheme will see this reduced by 57%).

Lisa Stone, councillor for Windmill Hill ward, also objected to the proposals for a number of reasons including the height, density and the fact the cycling infrastructure is insufficient.

She said: “There are not many good points to this plan, the use of modular build to reduce carbon and creating a block and street design that may feel like a high-street are a couple a good points.

“However, the apartments are small, they just about comply to the internal space standards, there is not enough private external space for children’s play, the design does not provide sufficient light levels, social housing and disability access. Bristol does not need uncompassionate developers.”

Of those who support the plans, one unnamed resident said: “Although I have reservations about the number of flats (fewer high quality needed not a higher number of small poor flats is needed) and will wait to see the final details regarding street level development and the impact on the park access, I totally support this essential development replacing the outdated and failing shopping centre. This opportunity for major investment in Knowle must not be missed.”

In September, more than 160 local residents packed two community meetings held by Knowle Neighbourhood Planning Group (KNPG) about plans to redevelop Broadwalk shopping centre.

The meetings were chaired by KNPG organisers Laura Chapman and Helen Evans, who showed residents detailed plans for the proposed Redcatch Quarter.A campaign and petition called Knowle Deserves Better has already attracted hundreds of signatures.

KNPG claims the development will bring in around 2,000 new residents to Knowle, an area where local services are already stretched and bus routes have been cut.

There are also concerns over the low number of parking spaces and the fact the 428 DPH (dwellings per hectare) exceeds the ‘hyper density’ threshold.

Bristol City Council policy recommends 120 DPH and the average for Knowle is currently 70 DPH. People still have time to have their say on the plans via the Bristol City Council planning portal.