Bristol city centre Debenhams transformation set for approval

The homes are planned to be built next to the Bearpit

The transformation of an abandoned Debenhams site into 500 homes should be given the go-ahead, planning officers say.

Bristol City councillors are set to decide whether the new homes should be built next week.

The city-centre Debenhams closed in May 2021 after a decline in sales fuelled by the pandemic.

Opponents of the scheme say they are concerned about the height of the proposed 28-storey tower.

Of the 502 homes that are proposed to be built, 20% would be 'affordable' homes to rent.

The applicant, 33 Horsefair Limited, hopes the tower block will pave the way for a new northern gateway into the Broadmead area close to the St. James Barton roundabout, known locally as the Bearpit.

The Bearpit is currently surrounded by taller buildings such as the Premier Inn which is also set to be redeveloped.

'Dominating and depressing'

The Bristol Civic Society said it objects "in the strongest terms" to the Debenhams scheme.

"We don't have to panic ourselves into accepting such a dominating and depressing development," it said in a statement.

"National planning policy tells us that creating high-quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve.

"We believe we should have the same ambition locally."

The developer says the scheme will provide a new walkway into the Broadmead area of the city centre

According to the applicant, the plan promises economic benefits including 264 new jobs and an additional 380 construction jobs.

A spokesperson for 33 Horsefair Ltd said: "The declining retail [sector] is a significant challenge facing Bristol city centre, at the same time Bristol faces a continuing housing shortage.

"The development would result in an additional £11m a year in spending, which would be a huge boost to struggling Broadmead.

"The redevelopment would transform this area into a vibrant, attractive, and safe place to live, work and socialise."

Bristol City Council's development control committee is expected to vote on the proposal on 24 April.