Visit Brislington Meadows on a warm summer’s day and the only sound is that of birdsong and bees, but that could all change if the bulldozers and heavy machinery arrive to start preparing this beautiful greenfield space to build 260 new homes.
In April, a Government planning inspector overturned a decision by Bristol City Council to stop the Homes England development, saying the need for new homes ‘significantly outweighed’ the loss of hedgerows, trees and habitats.
Mayor Marvin Rees was against the plans, saying he was ‘deeply disappointed’ by the final decision, as were the ‘Save the Brislington Meadows’ campaign group.
Earlier this month, Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy raised the issue in the House of Commons after residents and local councillors wrote to Communities Secretary Michael Gove.
Mr Gove agreed with Ms McCarthy that such a green belt area was a ‘valuable environmental asset that we need to protect’ and that he would ‘look closely’ at the plans.
So, the saga of Brislington Meadows isn’t over yet and it’s still a beautiful, tranquil oasis for Bristolians to visit and enjoy over the summer months, as you can see in these nine photos.
1. Breathtaking views
Walk to the top of the meadow and the city-wide views are stunning, including Clifton Suspension Bridge in the distance.
2. Wildlife haven
Homes England plans to build 260 new homes on the wildlife-rich Brislington Meadows after a Government planning inspector overturned a decision at Bristol’s City Hall to stop the development.
3. Wildlife-rich
Brislington Meadows has a wide variety of wild flowers, hedgerows and wildlife including badgers.
4. Planning application
This commercial property sign on the edge of Brislington Meadows still has remnants of a Bristol City Council letter about the original public meeting about the proposals.