Underground section of river could be unearthed

Bedminster Green in Bristol

An underground section of a river which flows through south Bristol could soon be unearthed as part of a regeneration project.

About 420m (1378ft) of the historic River Malago could be opened up and restored as part of proposals for Bedminster Green.

The river is currently in poor condition, with much of it running through an underground culvert, and the wider area is at risk of flooding.

Bristol City Council hopes the plans would reduce that risk and improve access to the water.

The proposals include bringing the river back above ground, replacing some channel walls with plants and installing new benches.

But some campaigners are concerned the plans include chopping some trees down, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Bristol City Council is applying for planning permission for the restoration project and has promised to plant 31 new trees to make up for the ones which will be lost.

But this has not allayed the concerns of the Bristol Tree Forum and the Windmill Hill and Malago (WHaM) planning group, which has already objected to plans for new homes to be built as part of the project.

Councillors are due to make a decision on the plans on Wednesday

The planning group said work needed to be done to the application and it should be rejected in its current form.

Writing to the council, a representative said: “The site is well-known and liked by local residents.

"It is a popular stopping off point for families with young children in part because of the flowering plants in spring but also because it is a shaded spot with a variety of trees and interesting animals.

“The local population is well aware that Bristol has declared a biodiversity crisis, and as such is understandably concerned to ensure that any proposal affecting green space improves the current situation rather than harms it.”

Councillors are due to decide whether to give the plans the go-ahead at a development control committee meeting on Wednesday.