‘The Carriageworks development demonstrates need for action on affordable housing’ say Green councillors

Ashley ward’s Green councillors, Gus Hoyt and Rob Telford, have called for lessons to be learned from the Carriageworks/Westmoreland House development process.

Cllr Hoyt, who holds a masters in sustainable development said:

“Due to effective engagement with the community through the Carriageworks Action Group, it is encouraging to see how this process has ended up with so many concessions from the developer. However, many of the improvements could have been incorporated earlier if community groups had been properly involved from the start. We should consider tabling a detailed report on the strengths and weaknesses of this site and the development process which could be openly shared with Bristol’s communities. By doing so, we can learn the lessons and save the council money in the future in unnecessary deferrals and officer time.”

Cllr Telford, who is the Green group leader in Bristol said:

“The level of affordable housing in this development is still inadequate and demonstrates that we still need a wider debate with all stakeholders – developers, the council’s planning officers, councillors and residents – about how we serve the housing needs of Bristol residents who are on lower incomes. If the council policy says 30% of any new development needs to be affordable housing, that should be a reality, not an aspiration. ”

Notes

“Carriage Works Stokes Croft Bristol” by William Avery