Plans approved for multi-generational community in Hengrove

Outline planning has been unanimously granted today (7th December) for 190 new homes at New Fosseway Road in Hengrove, more than 100 of which will be affordable – a mixture of social rent, shared ownership and Extra Care Housing.

Plans for the Extra Care Housing form part of Bristol City Council’s Better Lives at Home programme, helping older people to stay within a thriving community. We will  now work with our development partner, Countryside Partnerships, and the local community on detailed plans for the site.

The planned extra care hub will provide around 70 homes for elderly people. Overlooking a central green space, proposed communal facilities like a café, hairdresser, and meeting spaces, could be open to the public, helping to build an integrated neighbourhood of old and young.

Plans for the brownfield, former-school site have also been recognised for their ability to benefit both people and wildlife. The Building with Nature Design accreditation is a voluntary approach encouraging developers to go beyond minimum statutory requirements to support the natural world. Plans for New Fosseway Road reached the required standards for wellbeing, water and wildlife to gain the award.

Ambitions for the site include:

• A new walking and cycling link from Petherton Road to New Fosseway Road, providing a safer and greener alternative to the Wells Road.
• New public open space and play space for new and existing residents.
• New tree and hedgerow planting, alongside significant retention of existing trees and vegetation.

Areas of proposed development have been guided by the retention of existing trees and other vegetation as key features.

Stephen Baker, Managing Director of Goram Homes, says:

“We want to create places that people love to live in, which is why this site is such an exciting opportunity. As well as bringing together different generations, we can create an attractive, environmentally friendly neighbourhood in the heart of Hengrove. I’m looking forward to developing our plans with the community over the next few months”

Cllr Tom Renhard, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, says:

“How and where we build new homes is crucial to the future of our city. This is a fantastic example of how we can transform a brownfield site into a place where people and wildlife can thrive. At least half of the homes will be affordable, including the extra care element of the site, helping older people stay out of residential care and in their local community.”

Cllr Helen Holland, Bristol’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Social Care and Integrated Care System, says:

“Bristol’s vision for Extra Care Housing is to enable older people with care and support needs to be as active and independent as possible. This is offered through affordable, well-designed homes with on-site support and communal facilities to encourage social engagement and improve the health and wellbeing of residents.  

“The council continues to be a champion of the Extra Care Housing model and already supports over 400 people through commissioning quality Extra Care Housing provision across a number of providers in the city. The proposed extra care hub at New Fosseway Road will be another fantastic addition, enabling older people to live in a connected, inclusive community.”

Marc Thompson, Managing Director at Countryside Partnerships West, says::

“We’re very pleased to be extending our partnership with Goram Homes, working together for the second time at New Fosseway Road. Both of our organisations are committed to bringing forward more high-quality, affordable homes in great locations across Bristol. This development will transform a redundant area of brownfield land, giving local people real opportunities to find a home in the communities they love.”