DEVELOPERS have announced plans to build up to 200 homes on fields near Frenchay.
The housing estate would be on farmland off Filton Road, between the University of the West of England’s Hillside Gardens sports complex, Frenchay Cricket Club and Sims Hill community woodland.
At least 80 of the new homes would be classed as ‘affordable’, for social rent or shared ownership schemes.
Housebuilder Vistry says a field to the south of the site would be kept as open space, with space for new allotments and a community orchard also included.
UWE’s sports ground and another field would stand between the proposed development and the M32.
Vistry says the site has been included in South Gloucestershire Council’s Local Plan, which was recently submitted to the Government, and will offer “high-quality, sustainable homes that respond to local need, complementing the natural surroundings and well connected to growing local employment centres, local facilities and transport hubs”.
The company, which owns the brands Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Countryside Homes, is running an informal consultation to collect public responses to the initial proposals before applying for planning permission.
It says a consultation website, www.filtonroad.co.uk, will be live from November 28, with a ‘drop-in’ consultation event on November 29 from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Dings Crusaders’ Shaftesbury Park pavilion on Frenchay Park Road.
Vistry Strategic Land & Major Projects managing director Martin Leach said: “This is an opportunity to deliver affordable, high-quality housing where people can stay close to their family and friends, while opening up new public open space for the whole community to enjoy.
“We want to create a place that feels like a natural part of the community.
“We’re especially keen to hear how residents want the new public open space to look and feel. “This is a real opportunity for the community to shape a space that reflects their aspirations and delivers lasting benefits for years to come.”
Vistry says its plan will also include walking and cycling routes along Bristol Road and Filton Road, with safer crossings, as well as funding for public services.
It says homes would have air source heat pumps and triple glazing, with electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle parking provided.
The developer says it will retain mature trees on the site and include “wildlife-supporting features”.
People can email comments to filtonroad@jbp.co.uk or call 0800 130 3270 before the consultation ends on December 15.
The developer will then apply to South Gloucestershire Council for planning permission, but has not stated an intended date for building to begin.