Bristol City Council’s Housing Delivery Team has submitted a planning application for a new one hundred per cent affordable council housing development on a vacant site at the back of Redford Crescent and Sherrin Way. We have been working with Emmett Russell Architects to develop a proposal for the site.
Following two stages of public engagement in August 2024 and January 2025, feedback received from members of the public and other stakeholders has now been incorporated into the planning proposals. Bristol City Council is taking this opportunity to update you on how feedback received throughout the consultation process has helped shape the design of this scheme and share images of the final design with you. We will also provide details of the planning application and how you can comment on it.
Who are we?
Bristol City Council’s Housing Delivery Team help to deliver new affordable housing projects across the city. This includes a focus on building and acquiring new council homes. It also involves working with a range of partners, including housing associations, community groups and developers to increase the supply of new affordable housing throughout Bristol.
What are we looking to do?
Bristol City Council’s Housing Delivery Team is aiming to regenerate this site. The new development will incorporate the needs of existing and future residents, as well as the needs of the wider city, by providing good quality new affordable housing and improved public space.
Proposals for the site indicate space for around twelve new houses. These homes will be sustainable and low carbon.
Ecology and biodiversity will be considered as part of the planning application, with the aim to improve biodiversity on the site. New trees will be planted and existing accesses on the site will also be retained.
Existing site
The site is an undeveloped site that is surrounded by existing houses along Redford Crescent and Sherrin Way.
It is currently a grassed area with overgrown hedges and tracks to the north and south of the site that provide access to rear garages and gardens.
The nearest shop is on Four Acres which is a short distance from the site. To the north of the site there is a cluster of shops and takeaway restaurants along Queen’s Road.
Existing site plan
Your feedback
Since August 2024, two phases of consultation have been carried out, informing people about the council’s aspiration to develop the site for affordable housing.
Initial proposals outlined plans to deliver twelve new homes along with an improved public space that supports ecology and biodiversity. Site plans and surveys were published inviting residents to tell us what they thought about the development proposals.
Here is a combined summary of the response for both consultations:
- 96 properties were invited to participate in the survey.
- 49 individuals responded.
The following themes were seen in the responses:
- New homes – Some people supported the principle of development but were concerned about parking and affordable housing provision.
- Public green space – People expressed concern that a loss of green space would have an impact on the community and their well-being.
- Play space - People expressed concern that a loss of green space would have an impact on children.
- Crime and anti-social behaviour – People expressed concern about increased crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
- Nature – People said they were concerned about the impact of development on wildlife and ecology.
- Parking – People expressed concern that new housing could have an impact on the area’s existing demand for parking and that it could cause congestion on Redford Crescent and Sherrin Way.
- Site access – People were concerned they would no longer be able to access the site, and some neighbouring properties were concerned they would not be able to access the rear of their properties.
- Safety of site access - Concerns were also raised about the safety of the site access for deliveries, emergency vehicles and refuse collection.
You said, we did
We asked the following questions, and have provided the feedback we received, and our response to the feedback in the table below.
| We asked | You said | We did |
Do you support the principle of redeveloping this site for affordable council housing?
| - Some supported the principle of development but had concerns about increases in anti-social behaviour
| - Opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour will be reduced by the design of the homes and more active and shared use of the site. For example, living spaces will overlook the central green space and the parking area will be overlooked by windows on the end of buildings. Properties are back-to-back where possible and the access lane to the north-east of the site will be secured by locked gates. Avon and Somerset Police will also be consulted on the planning proposals.
- A range of affordable housing tenures, such as Social Rent and Affordable Home Ownership, are being considered.
|
| Do you support the proposed layout for the site? | - Some were concerned about rear access to their homes being maintained
| - Where existing rear access to homes is in use, this will be maintained as detailed in the site plan below.
- Engagement with neighbouring residents will continue throughout the design and construction process.
|
| Do you support the proposal for public green space? | - People supported the proposal.
- There were concerns about an overall loss of green space for the community
| - Where possible, green space has been retained. A communal green is at the heart of the scheme, with a wildlife copse and a wildlife corridor along the southern boundary. In addition to these natural features, the proposal focuses on improving the accessibility and usability of public spaces.
|
In the table below we show the topics we asked for comments on, and have provided the feedback we received, and our response to the feedback.
We asked | You said | We did |
| Proposed homes | - Some supported the provision of affordable homes, but others felt the site could not support the number of homes proposed
| - We are proposing twelve affordable homes on this site, which is 40% less than the recommended density of twenty homes on a site of this size and in this area.
|
| Nature and ecology | - Some people were concerned about the impact on nature
- Some people were concerned about the risk of flooding
| - Ecological studies were carried out which show no significant habitats, but the design does incorporate biodiverse plants, bird and bat boxes, and hedgehog corridors to support wildlife. A wildlife copse and corridor will be planted to enhance habitats on the site.
- All surface water runoff will be contained within rain gardens and sustainable drainage features. These act to hold water and slowly release it into the ground to reduce impact and the potential for flooding.
|
| Public space | - There were concerns there will be a loss of play space for children
| - The existing site does not have any dedicated play space for children.
- The new central green will give families a large space to play. Natural play features are proposed including balancing logs and stepping stones.
|
| Site access and parking | - There were concerns that the site does not have sufficient parking so could add to existing parking issues
- Some felt the access from the road has poor visibility and was therefore unsafe, and access for emergency vehicles could be an issue
| - The site will provide eight shared car parking spaces, with adequate EV charging provision and secure cycle storage for new residents.
- The scheme has good links to local schools, services and public transport to promote use of sustainable transport.
- Both site accesses have been assessed for their suitability to accommodate vehicles.
- We are proposing that the south entrance is widened to ensure that it’s safer for pedestrians and large vehicles to enter and exit the site.
|
Final Design
Proposed site plan
Site plan key – Design elements:
- Existing access – Existing accesses to surrounding properties have been retained and a ‘grasscrete’ surface, a hard surface which allows grass to grow between the paving, is proposed for vehicles to pass on to the central shared space.
- Site access – It is proposed that the south access lane is widened and the surface re-laid to safely allow pedestrians and vehicles to enter and exit the site.
- Cycle provision – All homes will be provided with secure storage space for two cycles to reduce reliance on car use.
- Parking - Eight parking spaces, including electric car charging, are provided for shared use by new residents.
- Rear lane – The rear lane behind the homes to the north-east, which allows access to the substation and neighbouring properties, will be surfaced with gravel and gated for security.
- An improved public green – A central area of shared green space provides enhanced landscaping for new and existing residents. This green space sits at the heart of the development, providing residents with the opportunity to sit or play, with natural play features such as balance logs and stepping stones. It will be planted with new trees and biodiverse plants. A formal footpath runs to the north-east pedestrian entrance to the site.
- Wildlife copse – This area at the far south-western point of the site will provide a space for nature and a habitat for wildlife. Protected by a fence, it will be planted with Hazel, Hawthorn and Blackthorn trees.
- Sustainable drainage – As part of the sustainable drainage strategy the scheme incorporates rain gardens across the site which capture surface water runoff and allows it to enter the ground gradually to help prevent flooding.
Materials
The local character of the area is defined by typical terraced and semi-detached housing. The materials used are predominantly brick or render, often in light, neutral colours, with pitched tiled roofs. The proposed material examples below have been chosen to compliment the surrounding housing. Two examples of their use on other housing schemes in Bristol can be seen below.
- Coated steel to dormers
- Coloured polyester powder coating to windows and doors
- Galvanised steel finish to rainwater goods
- Fibre cement slates to roof
- Buff-coloured bricks to external walls
The images below show examples of other housing schemes designed by Emmett Russell architects that use these materials.
Constable Road and New Kingsland schemes in Bristol, designed by Emmett Russell architects
The image below show the aerial view of the site from the west.
Aerial view from the west
The image below shows the view of new homes, improved footpath and central green space.
View of new homes, improved footpath and central green space
The image below shows the view of the street and the central green space
View of the street and central green space
The image below shows the view from the parking area.
View from parking area
Planning application
A planning application has now been submitted and full details will soon be available to view online via Bristol Council’s Planning Online website by searching for the application number 25/12146/FB.
How to comment on the planning application
The Housing Delivery Team can no longer accept feedback.
If you wish to comment on the planning application, you must do so by contacting the Local Planning Authority.
However you are welcome to contact the Housing Delivery Team with general queries about the proposals, the planning process, or to request information in alternative formats.
Contacting us
You can contact the Housing Delivery Team on the details below:
Bristol City Council’s Housing Delivery Team has submitted a planning application for a new one hundred per cent affordable council housing development on a vacant site at the back of Redford Crescent and Sherrin Way. We have been working with Emmett Russell Architects to develop a proposal for the site.
Following two stages of public engagement in August 2024 and January 2025, feedback received from members of the public and other stakeholders has now been incorporated into the planning proposals. Bristol City Council is taking this opportunity to update you on how feedback received throughout the consultation process has helped shape the design of this scheme and share images of the final design with you. We will also provide details of the planning application and how you can comment on it.
Who are we?
Bristol City Council’s Housing Delivery Team help to deliver new affordable housing projects across the city. This includes a focus on building and acquiring new council homes. It also involves working with a range of partners, including housing associations, community groups and developers to increase the supply of new affordable housing throughout Bristol.
What are we looking to do?
Bristol City Council’s Housing Delivery Team is aiming to regenerate this site. The new development will incorporate the needs of existing and future residents, as well as the needs of the wider city, by providing good quality new affordable housing and improved public space.
Proposals for the site indicate space for around twelve new houses. These homes will be sustainable and low carbon.
Ecology and biodiversity will be considered as part of the planning application, with the aim to improve biodiversity on the site. New trees will be planted and existing accesses on the site will also be retained.
Existing site
The site is an undeveloped site that is surrounded by existing houses along Redford Crescent and Sherrin Way.
It is currently a grassed area with overgrown hedges and tracks to the north and south of the site that provide access to rear garages and gardens.
The nearest shop is on Four Acres which is a short distance from the site. To the north of the site there is a cluster of shops and takeaway restaurants along Queen’s Road.
Existing site plan
Your feedback
Since August 2024, two phases of consultation have been carried out, informing people about the council’s aspiration to develop the site for affordable housing.
Initial proposals outlined plans to deliver twelve new homes along with an improved public space that supports ecology and biodiversity. Site plans and surveys were published inviting residents to tell us what they thought about the development proposals.
Here is a combined summary of the response for both consultations:
- 96 properties were invited to participate in the survey.
- 49 individuals responded.
The following themes were seen in the responses:
- New homes – Some people supported the principle of development but were concerned about parking and affordable housing provision.
- Public green space – People expressed concern that a loss of green space would have an impact on the community and their well-being.
- Play space - People expressed concern that a loss of green space would have an impact on children.
- Crime and anti-social behaviour – People expressed concern about increased crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
- Nature – People said they were concerned about the impact of development on wildlife and ecology.
- Parking – People expressed concern that new housing could have an impact on the area’s existing demand for parking and that it could cause congestion on Redford Crescent and Sherrin Way.
- Site access – People were concerned they would no longer be able to access the site, and some neighbouring properties were concerned they would not be able to access the rear of their properties.
- Safety of site access - Concerns were also raised about the safety of the site access for deliveries, emergency vehicles and refuse collection.
You said, we did
We asked the following questions, and have provided the feedback we received, and our response to the feedback in the table below.
| We asked | You said | We did |
Do you support the principle of redeveloping this site for affordable council housing?
| - Some supported the principle of development but had concerns about increases in anti-social behaviour
| - Opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour will be reduced by the design of the homes and more active and shared use of the site. For example, living spaces will overlook the central green space and the parking area will be overlooked by windows on the end of buildings. Properties are back-to-back where possible and the access lane to the north-east of the site will be secured by locked gates. Avon and Somerset Police will also be consulted on the planning proposals.
- A range of affordable housing tenures, such as Social Rent and Affordable Home Ownership, are being considered.
|
| Do you support the proposed layout for the site? | - Some were concerned about rear access to their homes being maintained
| - Where existing rear access to homes is in use, this will be maintained as detailed in the site plan below.
- Engagement with neighbouring residents will continue throughout the design and construction process.
|
| Do you support the proposal for public green space? | - People supported the proposal.
- There were concerns about an overall loss of green space for the community
| - Where possible, green space has been retained. A communal green is at the heart of the scheme, with a wildlife copse and a wildlife corridor along the southern boundary. In addition to these natural features, the proposal focuses on improving the accessibility and usability of public spaces.
|
In the table below we show the topics we asked for comments on, and have provided the feedback we received, and our response to the feedback.
We asked | You said | We did |
| Proposed homes | - Some supported the provision of affordable homes, but others felt the site could not support the number of homes proposed
| - We are proposing twelve affordable homes on this site, which is 40% less than the recommended density of twenty homes on a site of this size and in this area.
|
| Nature and ecology | - Some people were concerned about the impact on nature
- Some people were concerned about the risk of flooding
| - Ecological studies were carried out which show no significant habitats, but the design does incorporate biodiverse plants, bird and bat boxes, and hedgehog corridors to support wildlife. A wildlife copse and corridor will be planted to enhance habitats on the site.
- All surface water runoff will be contained within rain gardens and sustainable drainage features. These act to hold water and slowly release it into the ground to reduce impact and the potential for flooding.
|
| Public space | - There were concerns there will be a loss of play space for children
| - The existing site does not have any dedicated play space for children.
- The new central green will give families a large space to play. Natural play features are proposed including balancing logs and stepping stones.
|
| Site access and parking | - There were concerns that the site does not have sufficient parking so could add to existing parking issues
- Some felt the access from the road has poor visibility and was therefore unsafe, and access for emergency vehicles could be an issue
| - The site will provide eight shared car parking spaces, with adequate EV charging provision and secure cycle storage for new residents.
- The scheme has good links to local schools, services and public transport to promote use of sustainable transport.
- Both site accesses have been assessed for their suitability to accommodate vehicles.
- We are proposing that the south entrance is widened to ensure that it’s safer for pedestrians and large vehicles to enter and exit the site.
|
Final Design
Proposed site plan
Site plan key – Design elements:
- Existing access – Existing accesses to surrounding properties have been retained and a ‘grasscrete’ surface, a hard surface which allows grass to grow between the paving, is proposed for vehicles to pass on to the central shared space.
- Site access – It is proposed that the south access lane is widened and the surface re-laid to safely allow pedestrians and vehicles to enter and exit the site.
- Cycle provision – All homes will be provided with secure storage space for two cycles to reduce reliance on car use.
- Parking - Eight parking spaces, including electric car charging, are provided for shared use by new residents.
- Rear lane – The rear lane behind the homes to the north-east, which allows access to the substation and neighbouring properties, will be surfaced with gravel and gated for security.
- An improved public green – A central area of shared green space provides enhanced landscaping for new and existing residents. This green space sits at the heart of the development, providing residents with the opportunity to sit or play, with natural play features such as balance logs and stepping stones. It will be planted with new trees and biodiverse plants. A formal footpath runs to the north-east pedestrian entrance to the site.
- Wildlife copse – This area at the far south-western point of the site will provide a space for nature and a habitat for wildlife. Protected by a fence, it will be planted with Hazel, Hawthorn and Blackthorn trees.
- Sustainable drainage – As part of the sustainable drainage strategy the scheme incorporates rain gardens across the site which capture surface water runoff and allows it to enter the ground gradually to help prevent flooding.
Materials
The local character of the area is defined by typical terraced and semi-detached housing. The materials used are predominantly brick or render, often in light, neutral colours, with pitched tiled roofs. The proposed material examples below have been chosen to compliment the surrounding housing. Two examples of their use on other housing schemes in Bristol can be seen below.
- Coated steel to dormers
- Coloured polyester powder coating to windows and doors
- Galvanised steel finish to rainwater goods
- Fibre cement slates to roof
- Buff-coloured bricks to external walls
The images below show examples of other housing schemes designed by Emmett Russell architects that use these materials.
Constable Road and New Kingsland schemes in Bristol, designed by Emmett Russell architects
The image below show the aerial view of the site from the west.
Aerial view from the west
The image below shows the view of new homes, improved footpath and central green space.
View of new homes, improved footpath and central green space
The image below shows the view of the street and the central green space
View of the street and central green space
The image below shows the view from the parking area.
View from parking area
Planning application
A planning application has now been submitted and full details will soon be available to view online via Bristol Council’s Planning Online website by searching for the application number 25/12146/FB.
How to comment on the planning application
The Housing Delivery Team can no longer accept feedback.
If you wish to comment on the planning application, you must do so by contacting the Local Planning Authority.
However you are welcome to contact the Housing Delivery Team with general queries about the proposals, the planning process, or to request information in alternative formats.
Contacting us
You can contact the Housing Delivery Team on the details below: