Decision over 500 new student flats delayed

A decision on the plans is expected to be made in June

A decision on whether to build almost 500 new student flats in Bristol has been delayed until the summer.

Councillors in the city were due to decide this week whether to grant planning permission for a development with 484 beds, on an empty plot of land in Malago Road, Bedminster.

The developers, Watkin Jones, asked to postpone the decision and it is now expected to be made in June, instead.

The plans include three buildings, the tallest with 10 storeys, and aim to improve access to the nearby River Malago.

The decision was scheduled for a vote by the development control A committee on Wednesday, April 24.

Planning officers had recommended that the council's planning committee should approve permission for the flats.

The development would consist of three buildings between Malago Road and the railway line

The site is currently empty, but was recently occupied by a car wash and a charity providing temporary housing for homeless people.

Before this, an engineering works and foundry operated there until 2003, which was then demolished in 2009.

One concern about the development, identified in discussions at Bristol City Council, had been the noise of the nearby railway line, which could affect residents opening windows during warmer weather.

The developer says it is planning to install mechanical ventilation, similar to air conditioning.