On 31st May, BCC councillors rejected the planning application and we rejoiced! But on 5th July - in a huge twist - Conservative and Labour councillors reneged on their decision, approving the scheme and causing a huge, deeply scandalous u-turn.

A major planning application has been submitted to demolish Broadwalk Shopping Centre and to replace it with fewer community facilities, smaller shops and 800+ flats. These flats would be in towerblocks up to 12 storeys tall and would bring 2000+ new residents to Knowle. They will tower over Redcatch park and surrounding houses, and will be visible from all over the city. 

Knowle Neighbourhood Planning Group have scrutinised the plans and believes that Broadwalk needs development and investment, but not at the scale which is proposed. They are too high, and too dense! The proposed density of 428 DPH exceeds the ‘hyperdensity’ threshold and represents a gross over-development of the site. Despite this, the plans fail to deliver an acceptable level of affordable housing, offering just 7% against a target of 30%. It also appears that the affordable units will mainly be tiny 1-person flats, so will have minimal impact on housing waiting lists. 

We want Bristol City Council to follow the guidance in their own Urban Living Policy, and reject this version of the plans. We hope they can encourage the developers to design something smaller and more in-keeping with the area, which will serve new & existing residents and allow Knowle to really thrive. 

Everyone who sees the plans reacts the same way: “they wouldn’t allow this in Clifton”. So let’s stand up for our community and tell everyone that Knowle Deserves Better.

NB: after you’ve signed, you’ll be asked to donate to support this campaign. Please don’t donate via Change.org as the money won’t come to KNPG. Instead - if you would like to support the campaign - please visit www.tinyurl.com/broadwalkfund Thanks!