Public inquiry to determine future of city space

Campaigners want Turbo Island to be granted village green status

A small piece of land in Bristol known for being a place for social gatherings as well as attracting crime is to be the subject of a public inquiry.

Campaigners applied to Bristol City Council to protect Turbo Island in Stokes Croft as a village green, but questions were raised about whether its activities - including impromptu parties - make it qualify for the status.

Avon and Somerset Police objected the plans over the "risk posed to the local community", while the National Grid, which has a substation there, said altering the land would "hamper" the electricity network.

The council will hire a barrister to chair a two-day inquiry to explore the options for the site's future.

Village green applications are usually granted to protect small plots of land from developers wishing to build there.

Sites protected by the status are then open for public access to allow for recreational activities.

Campaigners from the People's Republic of Stokes Croft want to "save" Turbo Island.

They said the area served as a "vital" meeting point for members of the community, particularly homeless people, for more than 20 years.

In evidence statements submitted earlier in 2025, one campaigner said the site "radiates deep tolerance, acceptance and understanding".

'Crime every other day'

But Turbo Island has been the scene of numerous criminal incidents in recent times.

Figures from Avon and Somerset Police showed 21 crimes were reported on the site in August - eight of which were violent and sexual offences.

The force's figures from September 2024 to August showed 185 crimes were reported - an average of one crime every other day, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Turbo Island is popular among those enjoying Bristol's nightlife

Bristol City councillor Ed Fraser said the cost of a public inquiry would not be "extraordinary" for taxpayers.

"We can't talk about the costs publicly but I do want to reassure the public that the costs are not wildly significant compared to lots of decisions that we make on policy committees," he added.

Councillor Don Alexander said: "Obviously the definition of extraordinary is quite subjective.

"It's certainly enough for me to worry about the costs of having somebody independent coming in."

At a council meeting on Thursday, councillors also raised concerns the public inquiry might not find a definitive answer.

The authority could still be left with many unanswered questions before they have to make a decision on whether to register Turbo Island as a village green.