Project Summary

• Planning permission granted for 153 student bedrooms in a highly sustainable location, close to the University of Bristol precinct
• Redevelopment of a long term vacant site
• Retention and refurbishment of an undesignated heritage asset (the principal hospital building)
• Contemporary and attractive design in a Conservation Area and within the setting of various listed buildings

Development Description

The development involves demolishing a number of unattractive modern buildings, including a boiler room and various extensions to the main hospital.  The principle building, which is a heritage asset, is to be retained and extended in a more suitable fashion, utilising green wall technology.  The attractive gatehouse will be retained and refurbished for use as site management office.  8no. innovative student ‘townhouses’ will be constructed fronting Upper Byron Place and these provide much needed activity and surveillance. 

Planning Process

The site has been subject to numerous failed planning applications and appeals over the past seven years, with local residents and amenity groups having been very active in debating the hospital’s future.  The applicant therefore carried out a formal pre-application and a programme of community engagement which valuably informed the scheme design.  As well as protecting residential amenity, the design also sought to address previous reasons for refusal.  The key was managing the impact of development on the historic environment and, in particular, Brandon Hill park to the south.  A full planning application was submitted in December 2017 and, following successful negotiations, the support of the Local Planning Authority was secured.  The application was approved by Planning Committee in April 2018, subject to a section 106 agreement.