A developer has returned to unveil fresh plans to build new homes on a large open space in the heart of a Bristol suburb, 15 years after they were turned down the first time.
Taylor Wimpey are inviting local residents in Mangotsfield to come to a drop-in session next week, where they will present plans for around 150 new homes on the big field between Mangotsfield School and Mangotsfield United football ground.
The land, on the east side of Rodway Hill Road is close to the centre of Mangotsfield but effectively right on the edge of the built-up urban area of Bristol, with the local rugby and cricket clubs between it and the ring road.
It is currently designated as ‘Greenbelt’ but is one of the sites that has been included in an ’emerging preferred strategy’ to build thousands of new homes in South Gloucestershire.
Back in the summer, there was controversy when South Gloucestershire Council unveiled its plans to allow development on the Greenbelt, and this is the first major application to come forward – even before that new strategy is confirmed.
Taylor Wimpey has applied to build new homes there before. The firm submitted an application to build up to 180 homes on the field back in the autumn of 2009, sparking a large campaign to oppose the scheme by many local residents in Mangotsfield, and more than 600 objections. In 2010, councillors at South Gloucestershire Council refused the application because the land was in the Green Belt, and outside the Local Plan designation for a housing site.
Taylor Wimpey initially appealed to the Government’s planning inspectors but later in 2010, withdrew that appeal. Now, 15 years on, the housebuilding company is back, with a new proposal for up to 150 new homes, with road access to the proposed housing estate down the side of Mangotsfield United FC’s ground on Cossham Street.
The land is still designated as Green Belt at the moment, but council planners have included the site in its ‘emerging preferred strategy’ as a place that new homes could be built in the future, as it draws up a new version of its Local Plan.
Taylor Wimpey said it wants to build a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroomed homes. The developers said 35 per cent of the 150 – just over 50 – would be classed as ‘affordable’ in planning terms.
They are holding a community drop-in event at the Pomphrey Hill Pavilion on Wednesday, October 2, from 2pm to 7pm to give local residents the chance to see the plans.
The man presenting the plans said they want to build their new homes ‘in a way that respects Mangotsfield’s character’.
“Through our proposals, we want to deliver much needed new homes in the area,” said Chris Dolling, Taylor Wimpey’s strategic projects director. “We want to do so in a way that respects Mangotsfield’s character. Our proposals are guided by the site’s natural features, such as its existing trees, hedgerows, footpaths and topography.
“These are the foundations into our proposed layout for the development. We will work closely with the Mangotsfield community to ensure our proposed development supports the area’s needs and reflects the village’s character.
“We encourage everyone to come along to our community drop-in event so they can learn more, review our proposals, and share their feedback,” he added.