Bristol student flats approved despite flooding fears

A new university campus was originally planned to open this year but construction work has not yet started

Planning permission for student housing has been granted, despite fears over a risk of flooding at the site.

Bristol City Council has approved the building of 471 apartments near Bristol Temple Meads station.

The main risk of flooding comes from high tides rising through the River Avon, according to council officers.

The application still needs to be approved by the Environment Agency (EA), which has previously raised concerns about flooding in the area.

Councillors approved plans for the 12-storey building on Avon Street, which will link to the new University of Bristol campus in Temple Quarter.

The 12-storey building will provide 471 apartments for University of Bristol students

Officers said the risk of flooding is growing due to climate change and that the design of the building means that the ground floor could flood, but all accommodation would be above the ground floor.

Students could be left in their rooms for hours in the event of a flood, said one council officer, but an escape route would be created above the entrance to the accommodation, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The University of Bristol's Paul Smith said the apartments would provide "high quality and affordable accommodation".

"(It) also helps to keep further pressure off existing homes in the city which we appreciate is a major issue and a priority for the council," he added.

The university is planning to build a new campus on the site of the old Royal Mail sorting house

The university is planning to build a new campus behind the train station, on the site of the demolished Royal Mail sorting house.

Labour Councillor Fabian Breckels backed the application, calling it "the obvious place to put student accommodation".

"I like the design and I think it will fit in well within the area," he said.

If the EA objects then the application would be sent to the government to make a final decision.