Homes plan for former bakery

A BAKERY which closed almost a year ago could be turned into new homes.

The Cottage Bakery, on the row of shops in Downend Road next to the Downend and Fishponds boundary, had been open for many years but closed last January, with owner Tracy Phillpott blaming the covid lockdown, spiralling costs and low customer numbers.

Now an application has been made to Bristol City Council for permission to change the use of the building so it can be converted into two homes.

Applicant Anthony Milton, of Downend, has already been granted permission to demolish part of the building and change its distinctive facade with a Gothic arched doorway and panelled windows.

The application is to divide the single-storey building into two homes, one with two bedrooms and intended for three people, accessed from Downend Road, and the other with one bedroom and intended for one occupant, with access via a “private gated lane” to the rear of the building.

Both would have courtyards with recycling and bin and bike storage facilities. The application can be viewed on the planning section of Bristol City Council’s website by searching for reference number 23/04320/COU.