project update
Let me explain that the Council, along with the other landowners have been pursuing the objective of securing a “preferred developer” through a tender process. This means that they would agree to sell the site to a bidder who would comply with the terms of that tender. The tender brief in this case sets out a platform for development of mainly housing and the usual suspects have been canvassed. The “same old” model of a mix of private and social housing is specified. This was how the development of Harbourside happened. Hardly a shining example!
For over two years the local community groups have sought to change this. They do not want to see just another ”Barrats” housing estate. They do not want to see good buildings on the campus, like the sports hall and workshops demolished and the social and community infrastructure removed. Nor do they want to lose their public open space. But the Council until recently appeared to be saying ‘well were going to do this anyway’!
Because we are offering a different solution (community partnership, new affordable housing models, sustainability objectives) we would NOT meet the requirements of that brief and therefore would be excluded from this process.
I am mistified. Why would the Council or indeed HCA take this line? What we have offered them is an option that meets all their social, environmental, community and affordable housing objectives. We have given them the opportunity to be a partner in a pioneering project that would make Bristol proud. One that supports their policy of Localism and supports self build which the Government has just announced strong support for. We do not expect the land for free. We have offered them real value from this partnership and finally we have made the case that this would be delivered quicker and with more certainty than them pursuing a tender which in this market may not succeed.
Anthony Negus claimed to have been instrumental in setting up the Bristol Community Land Trust. How then could he then object to a model based on the land being held through a community interest company?
I have had to remind myself that whilst Mr Negus may be a powerful member of the Cabinet, he, and the Council are elected representatives of the people. Why not contact your local Councillor or Cllr Negus direct anthony.negus@bristol.gov.uk and make your views known. Let us not lose this amazing opportunity.
Please leave your comments
If you want to see a copy of my follow up letter to Cllr Negus please let me know.
What a fantastic project – best of luck in pulling this together!
As to “Why would the Council take this line?” – I’m a bit surprised your mystified – surely you can understand the council thinking they need to get every penny given the perilous state of public finances?
Now, I’m not saying they’re right in that, and I am sure you would argue they need to look at longer term value and probably speculate on all the things they’re still wasting money on etc, but they must be locked into that way of thinking at the moment and if you want to get them to change their mind you need to understand where they’re coming from.
Thanks for your comment Mark. I know Authorities have a responsibility to get best value but rarely in my view is this seen by authorities as more than measurable price. We can see though the immense value of something inspirational like Hamilton House has had to the community of Stokes Croft both in terms of people valuing that community and the real value shift it has had on property in this area. We simply question the value of a housing estate to this community and have asked the landowners in this case to consider the broader value this project could bring to the local community.
I love the idea of building a community instead of an estate full of identical houses for home owners. I particularly welcome the emphasis on affordability, sustainability and self-build, and I think this would be of great interest to the many young people who have been priced out of the housing market. Instead of viewing housing primarily as an investment and selling the land to the highest bidder, we need to think of new ways of living and providing housing, and this plan is an inspiration. I hope very much that Bristol City Council will view this application favourably.