The first steps to build a new neighbourhood on the outskirts of Bristol have been taken, which could see around 1,000 homes built. The development, known as the North Warmley New Neighbourhood, is split into four sites (which are adjacent to each other) and would create a new neighbourhood in South Gloucestershire.
The development would see an area of Green Belt land transformed into new homes, community spaces and a mixed use hub created. The area was identified as part of the Local Plan, where five new communities will be created near Bristol over the next 15 years, accounting for more than 15,000 houses and flats.
Housebuilders Bloor Homes has submitted an environmental impact assessment scoping report to South Gloucestershire Council for part of the North Warmley build. The scoping report aims to identify any issues that would be assessed and asks the local planning authority for its opinion on what would need to be included in a subsequent planning application.
The scoping report is for up to 875 homes to be built in site area A, which equates to 57.2 hectares. 30 percent of these homes will be classed as affordable, around 263 homes, whilst five percent (44 homes) will be self build or a custom build.
There will also be up to 75 units of specialised accommodation for the elderly and a mixed use hub “comprising workspace, retail, day nursery and mobility hub”. Green space, including a play space and an accessible extension to Warmley Forest Park, will be created.
As part of proposed plans, there will be new access created onto London Road, Goose Green Way and Webbs Heath Road. There would also be a new footway and cycleway through Warmley Forest Park to connect to the Bristol and Bath cycle path. Community growing spaces and/or allotments would be available.
The other three sites, listed as sites B, C and D, are noted to be under separate ownership. Development proposals on these sites are predicted to reflect development requirements. It is understood that 40 percent of housing on these sites would be affordable.
The ‘temporal scope of the assessment’, listed within the report, suggests that development (if approved) could begin in two years time in 2027. Construction is set to take ten years.
The North Warmley development is one of a number of sites identified within South Gloucestershire Council’s Local Plan which would transform the region. 2,400 new homes will be built on land east of the M4/M5 interchange, known as New Woodlands.
Over 2,000 homes will be built north of Lyde Green, coming with 18 hectares of employment land, and over 1,900 homes will be built east of the A4174 ring road between Carsons Road and the B4465.
Several villages in South Gloucestershire are set to be expanded. Charfield, Almondsbury and Easter Compton are set to acquire new homes over the coming years. This is in addition to the Brabazon development, which will see 6,500 homes built.