A DEVELOPER planning to build up to 200 homes on fields near Frenchay has given more details of its scheme.
The Voice reported last month that Vistry wants to build 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.
The company held a short informal consultation online, as well as a one-day exhibition at Dings Crusaders’ at nearby Shaftesbury Park pavilion on Frenchay Park Road.
Around 100 people attended the event, to see its plans for a development of one- to five-bedroom homes.
They raised issues ranging from concerns over flooding, access and the effect on the existing road network to the need for more health provision for both existing and new residents.
Most of the land is currently open fields planted with clover.
The north end of the site is currently home to a hanging baskets business, with poly tunnels and a house, which would be demolished to make way for drainage ponds under the plans.
Vistry says the site would be moved out of the Green Belt and designated for housing if South Gloucestershire Council’s Local Plan, which was recently submitted to the Government, is approved.
Vistry strategic planning manager Joel Morris said all of the buildings on the site as currently planned would be homes, with none for business or community use.
He said Vistry had agreed a contract with the current landowner several years ago and had been in discussions with the council’s development management team after the site was included in the new draft Local Plan as a potential location for 150 homes.
He said: “We feel it’s a really sustainable location.”
Mr Morris said the developer would carry out an environmental impact assessment and aimed to reuse the high quality agricultural soil in gardens and allotments.
Afterwards a Vistry spokesperson said: “Discussions with residents about surface-water and drainage on Filton Road will help refine our drainage strategy for the site.
“Feedback on the proposed 4.5-acre public open space in the southern field will help ensure it’s shaped by the community, for the community.
“Residents highlighted a preference for durable metal play equipment, increased space for allotments, and the importance of strong walking and cycling links, including requests for a southern pedestrian connection.”
The company said feedback from the consultation will be taken into account in a formal planning application, which is expected to be submitted in March or April.