Out and about

THIS WEEK’S ROUND - UP OF LOCAL NEWS

PLANNING INSPECTOR UPHOLDS JOHN PEER REFUSAL:

We have now heard that the Planning Inspectorate have upheld the decision of Bristol City Councillors to refuse planning permission for the redevelopment of the John Peer site opposite Arnos Court Park on the Bath Road. Sovereign Housing had wanted to redevelop the site with 146 residential units. The main issues were:

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area. • The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of future residents.

• Whether the proposed development would accord with national and local planning policy for sustainable energy use.

Regarding the first issue, the inspector said, “the combined mass, height and bulk of the Blocks A, B and C would be seen as a single form and, in my view, would significantly dominate the surrounding buildings and dwellings, appearing as an intrusive and incongruous development that would draw the eye…the proposed development would not contribute positively to the surrounding area’s character or identity and would not respond appropriately to the height, scale or massing of existing buildings. ” Regarding the second issue, the inspector said, “the single aspect nature of apartments within Block B that face the rear of Block A would result in unacceptable living conditions for future occupants…[the] courtyard would be dominated by the respective blocks and would not, in my view, create a high quality environment for occupants in terms of adequate usable communal amenity space…in terms of long corridors and internal circulation, and in respect of the harm to future residents with regards to outlook, I conclude that the appeal scheme would not provide acceptable living conditions for occupants.” Regarding the third issue, the inspector said, “the proposed use of direct electric systems would not accord with the heat hierarchy element of Policy BCS14 of the Core Strategy, and it has not been adequately demonstrated that the incorporation of heat hierarchy compliant systems would not be feasible or would necessarily render the scheme financially unviable.” We will be writing to Sovereign Housing to find out what they plan to do next. We do not want this eyesore to remain, but any proposed development must be appropriate for the site and for future residents.

We have now removed the knitted poppy garlands adorning our war memorial and will be keeping them safe for next year. St Luke’s Parish Church have told us they hope to decorate the church tower next year, which should look spectacular. FROM BRISTOL WITH LOVE:

The charity, from Bristol with Love, have asked us to encourage residents to make the following donations to help the people of Ukraine: Sleeping bags Candles

Blankets

Thermal clothes

With the winter fast approaching, conditions in Ukraine are going to be really worrying, especially as bombing has destroyed so many homes. The charity recently announced their 37th delivery of aid from Bristol, which consisted of two tonnes of food, first aid, 10 electrical generators and sleeping bags. Their next deliveries are scheduled for 27/11, 4/12 and 12/12.

Please DM us if you can help. We will be happy to collect supplies and forward to the charity. More details here: https://lnkd.in/d-f45zWq GREATER BRISLINGTON TOGETHER AGM:

GBT will have its AGM on Saturday 26th November at Wick Road Library from 10.30am-11am (followed by a quick brunch before Sandy Park Road light switch on festivities start) GBT is looking to recruit a new secretary and a communication volunteer. GBT is keen to grow both the committee and engage a wider Greater Brislington Strategy group. Everyone welcome. Bristol City Council is consulting on proposals for next year's budget and meeting the financial challenge facing the council over the coming five years. The council is seeking views on the level of Council Tax and Social Care Precept for next year (2023/24) and its proposals for ways it can start to meet a potential budget gap of up to £87.6 million. Find out more about the budget proposals for 2023-24 and take part in the survey at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/

Budget-2023-24-ask/

This survey will close at midnight on Friday 23 December. HOUSING ADVICE DURING THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS:

We know that rising household costs are making it difficult for people to pay rent, bills, and in some cases, mean people could be facing homelessness. There is guidance available on the council’s cost of living support webpage, including advice on paying your rent or mortgage and options for applying for housing benefit or Universal Credit: https://

www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-and-communities/cost-of-livingsupport

You can also reach out to a number of agencies across the city for housing advice, including: • Shelter - telephone: 0808 800 4444 – open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, weekends and bank holidays, 9am to 5pm • Citizens Advice Bristol

• Step Change • Bristol's Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service

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You can also call the We Are Bristol helpline for free on 0800 694 0184 between 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or visit the Citizen Service Point in person, located at 100 Temple Street, BS1 6AG, if you need helping using the council’s services or need access to a computer WELCOMING SPACES:

There are now 58 Welcoming Spaces open across Bristol. While the temperatures have been milder recently, the city's Welcoming Spaces are not just a place for you to keep warm. They are also there for you to socialise with others and access advice and support related to the cost of living crisis. What happens at each space depends on the venue but could include access to Wi-Fi and electrical charging points, community meals and activities. You can find a map and list of all the W Welcoming Spaces in Bristol here:

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/ people-and-communities/welcoming-spaces/find-a-welcoming-space

You can also find information about what is offered at your local Welcoming Space, opening times and contact details.

TEMPLE QUARTER TOUR:

Temple Quarter is the UK's biggest regeneration project, aiming to transform the area around Temple Meads station. If you want to find out more, the project team is running regular walking tours of the key sites being transformed as part of Temple Quarter. These take place on Mondays. Places are limited, so please contact the team at TempleQuarter@ bristol.gov.uk if you would like to attend. Hundreds of Brislington West residents have signed up to receive our monthly newsletter via email. You can register using this link: http://www.bristollib-

dems.org/efocus.

Take a break and try to solve theses puzzles

Here are this months puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea.

Good luck!

Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine via this QR code To enter our cash prize draw each week EASY HARD

MEDIUM EXTREME

ESCAPE THE MAZE

Can you find your way through this difficult maze?