Hundreds of new homes to be built at 'iconic' spot

More than 110 homes are set to be in a 10-storey housing block in an "iconic" location, despite hundreds of objections from residents.

Bristol City Council approved planning permission for the first phase of the major redevelopment at Wapping Wharf, which will eventually consist of five blocks, 245 apartments and a market hall.

While the work is taking place, restaurants and shops will temporarily relocate from the city's famous shipping containers.

Hundreds of residents opposed the development due to its size and density, including former mayor George Ferguson who said the blocks would compromise the area's iconic view of the cranes.

The development is arranged around a two-storey retail and workspace podium, as well as a 10-storey building which will contain homes. There will also be terraced restaurants arranged down one side, with an open-air rooftop shipping container restaurant.

The existing public car park of 95 spaces will be replaced with 156 new spaces in a basement and eight on-street, as well as 600 cycle spaces.

Phase one will include a 10-storey Cargo building with a market hall below and stepped restaurant terracing attached, as well as 113 apartments.

Wapping Wharf first opened in 2016 and hosts only Bristol-owned independent businesses in a selection of shipping containers that were meant to be temporary.

Developers Umberslade previously won support from restaurant leaders as the scheme will provide a long-term home for their businesses.

Councillor Lisa Durston told the planning committee on Tuesday: "This application represents a real opportunity in a sustainable and brownfield location.

"It means that businesses can continue trading when the development is delivered."

She said she shared some concerns with residents about the height and density, but this was outweighed by providing 50 affordable homes.

Councillor Ani Townsend added: "I'm pleased to see that most of the affordable housing that's provided in this is for families rather than single people because that's what we're crying out for in the city centre."

But long-term opponent of the plans, Ferguson, said the blocks are "out of place and will undoubtedly compromise the iconic view of the cranes".

He argued that the same number of homes could be achieved in just a six-storey development.

"Bristol deserves better - the planning system is failing us," he said.

"The harbour in particular needs a higher standard of planning - it is such a special place."

Other complaints from residents include concerns the development will "dominate" the waterfront and that is sets a "dangerous precedent for further tall buildings" in the area.

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