A cinema in the city centre could be made smaller under new plans recently submitted. Each week Bristol City Council receives dozens of planning applications seeking permission for a whole range of developments.
Over the past seven days, those applications also included changes to a Bedminster supermarket and an extension to a pie factory. 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.
City centre cinema made smaller
A cinema in the city centre could be refurbished. The former Showcase Cinema in Cabot Circus shut last year, and will be taken over by Odeon with an opening date pencilled in for next year. The plans include reducing the cinema space, creating a new public entrance area, and creating new space for leisure activities and food and beverage concessions.
The existing cinema auditorium on the mezzanine level will be removed and prepared to be taken over by a future leisure operator. On level one, the existing lobby will be carved into three spaces: a downsized cinema foyer, a new restaurant and a new entrance for the leisure unit on the mezzanine level.
MOT testing station
A new MOT testing station could be set up on Stapleton Road in Eastville. A car repair garage is based in an old tramways depot, and its owner needs planning permission from the council to start carrying out MOT tests there. The building was constructed in the early 20th century and has been largely unchanged, apart from the iron tram tracks concreted over.
Extension for Pieminister
Kitchens used by the popular pie chain Pieminister could be extended. The pie factory on Charlton Road in Brentry would be made about 50 per cent larger. Planning permission is unlikely to be required, but the company needs a lawful development certificate from the council to proceed with the expansion.
Changes to Aldi
The Aldi supermarket on North Street in Bedminster could be changed. The application includes building a replacement refrigeration plant, enclosure and associated works. The existing bike shelter will be relocated, as well as the bin store.
In planning documents, architects said the changes would replace existing machinery, providing “more efficient, sustainable and quieter equipment”. Neighbours have been notified of the plans.