Case Study
The property is situated on the south bank of the River Avon and northwest of Bedminster, the immediate area presents itself as a blend of uses, school, open space business and residential. Historically the site had been reviewed on several occasions by the client and external parties for several unique alternative uses including residential and car sales forecourt. Additionally, the client self-promoted the site for a residential use within the local plan development plan.
As part of a broader piece of portfolio enhancement works Nest Homes are undertaking for the client, we undertook a planning development phase one study of the property.
Our defined process always commences with the gathering of all sources of available information be it Land Registry plans, operational constraints, design and construction information, map regression where applicable. Once we have this information, we look for the gaps and seek to close them.
Having secured "best" information, we prepared a summary for our client including the consolidated information and a first estimate of developable area, with agreement to proceed we engaged with WWSL Operations and Developers Services, this is to set and agree first principles relating to the impacts and constraints of operational assets but also to highlight the opportunities that these may grant, the conclusion of this forms a statement of common ground between parties.
Our conclusion found that the site is heavily constrained and a long term use of any part of the site requiring a disposal would not be appropriate.
However separately our GENeco business has been in discussion with Bristol City Council considering the potential for a "sustainable" neighbourhood heating scheme in central Bristol, the work we undertook has enabled the first steps to be taken toward partially utilising the site for this scheme. Additionally, Nest Homes have identified the potential for up to 18 student accommodations PODS on site, whilst this idea is at an early stage of development it will be taken forward to engage with local stakeholders including Bristol University and Local Planning Authority.
The aim
Identify the potential for future development on site
The issues
Available asset information. Operational constraints and easements. Local Planning Policies and designations. Live operational assets.
The solution
Defined opportunities and constraints plan for site, to take forward for further development review
The outcome
Agreed development plan with Operational teams and Developers services (WWSL). WWSL developing plans with Bristol City Council for neighbourhood heat recovery scheme. Nest Homes are reviewing proposal for Student (POD) accommodation.