Plans for Harbourside development get unanimous approval from planners

A scheme which will see 166 homes built on Bristol’s Harbourside has been approved this week.

Bristol councillors unanimously granted full planning permission for Baltic Wharf which will see Goram Homes develop 166 new homes on Bristol’s Harbourside with partners, The Hill Group.

The development will transform council-owned land currently leased by the Caravan Club into high-quality, sustainable new homes in the heart of Bristol’s floating harbour.

The plans, approved by Planning Committee A, show 66 of the new homes (40%) will be affordable housing, 50 for social rent and 16 for shared ownership.

Earlier this year, Bristol City Council’s cabinet announced its aim to make Baltic Wharf a 100% council-owned housing.

Stephen Baker, MD of Goram Homes, said: “Goram Homes was set up to help build desperately needed new homes for our growing city, so I’m thrilled we’ve received the go ahead today. Where and how we build can be complex, so we spent three years honing our plans to make Baltic Wharf a fantastic scheme, in a much-loved location.

“I’d like to thank everyone who fed back on the project, who raised challenges, and who worked with us to make it the best it can be. We’re looking forward to getting started on building the high-quality housing that we know our city needs.”

The scheme had been held up in planning due to an objection from the Environment Agency and concerns around flooding. The objection was removed in March, with the Environment Agency stating they “believe the Bristol and Avon Flood Strategy will make the development safe.”

The Baltic Wharf development will open this part of Bristol’s waterfront for the first time in decades, providing attractive public spaces and facilities, including new cafes and restaurants, and sociable spaces by the water.

The apartments will be a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, with balconies or terraces and access to newly planted gardens. A children’s play area will also be created for residents.

The homes will be highly sustainable, with air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging, and a potential connection to the city’s heat network.

Andy Fancy, managing director of The Hill Group added: “We’re delighted to have received unanimous approval for Baltic Wharf, which will create desirable new homes in an iconic harbourside location.

“We understand the concerns raised throughout the planning process and we’ve worked closely with experts to address them – including lowering building heights, plans to plant over 220 new trees, and working with engineers to ensure the site is resilient to any future flood risk.

“These homes will be low carbon, encourage sustainable travel, and provide public spaces that will transform this part of the floating harbour for the wider community.