Overhaul for planning process at Bristol City Council

Redcliffe Wharf is the last piece of Bristol's harbourside that has not been developed

The way in which developers are selected for projects in Bristol is set to be overhauled after auditors criticised the process.

Experts told the council to adopt a new policy which clearly outlines each stage of the planning process officers and councillors must follow.

The issue was highlighted after a rival bidder was unhappy with how a developer for Redcliffe Wharf was chosen.

Bristol City Council has promised to be more open and transparent.

Although a new policy is set to be implemented, auditors Grant Thornton also said the council acted appropriately and in good faith.

'Massive bungle'

Complaints about the process were made by the businessman Alastair Sawday.

He had teamed up with the developers Igloo with proposals to build a 50-bed eco-friendly hotel at Redcliffe Wharf.

Mr Sawday's bid was not chosen but he has maintained his criticism is not a case of "sour grapes".

"It's been a massive bungle from the beginning. The only thing the council should do now is respect the local community, scrap the process and start again," said Mr Sawday.

The auditors also found the councillor in charge of planning, Anthony Negus, felt officers managing the process were not listening to him.

Bristol City Council said it would act on recommendations for improvements to "ensure greater clarity and transparency".

It is not known whether the bidding process for Redcliffe Wharf will be looked at again as a result of the audit report.