‘Bold Type’ ME Policies - the policy without the supporting text
See the Bristol Local Plan for the full text.
Chapter 8: Housing
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H1 Development involving the change of use of existing residential accommodation will only be permitted when:–
- (i) It would not unacceptably erode the city’s housing stock; or
- (ii) it consists of a community service use which provides benefits for the residents of the immediate locality; or
- (iii) the accommodation is unsuitable for residential use.
H2 Land allocated for Housing Development
H3 Sites Identified for Development
H4 Backland Sites
H4 Residential development of under-used backland sites will be permitted provided that:–
- (i) The effect of development on local amenity is taken into account
- (ii) there is no unacceptable loss of off-street parking
- (iii) the site is no longer required for its original use; and
- (iv) the development is of a comprehensive nature taking account of any likely change in the use of adjacent land; and
- (v) schemes take account of other community needs which may also require land in the locality
H5 Accessible Housing
H5 Residential developments including refurbishments should wherever practicable provide housing that is accessible and habitable by all members of the community.
The following will be sought through negotiation:–
- (i) Houses and ground floor flat units built to mobility standards accessible to disabled people
- (ii) An element designed to accommodate wheelchair users in major housing developments
To apply particularly to sites which are especially suitable for access by the less mobile by reason of topography and location close to shops and other local services.
H6 Community Benefit from Development
H6 In the case of major residential development, a Planning Obligation will be sought, through negotiation, to provide for new or improved social and community facilities on or easily accessible to the site where the need for these arises directly from the development concerned and is necessary for it to proceed.
Provision should be fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the individual development.
H7 Conversion/Sub-Division of Existing Houses
H7 Conversion of houses to smaller units of self-contained accommodation will be permitted unless it adversely affects the character and amenity of the immediate locality.
H8 Upper Floors Over Shops and Offices
H8 The residential use of upper floors of new and existing shops and offices will be permitted.
Where the accommodation is not capable of providing satisfactory accommodation by reason of location or fitness for living, other uses will be permitted which create employment opportunities or community facilities, provided that:–
- (i) The use will not cause disturbance or nuisance to adjoining residential accommodation
- (ii) The change of use does not cause a loss of retail floorspace or threaten the viability of the ground floor use.
H9 Affordable Housing to Meet Local Needs
H9 In major residential schemes an element of affordable housing , the benefits of which would be enjoyed by initial and successive occupiers, will be sought through negotiation.
The precise number of units will reflect demonstrable need, site suitability and the economics of provision. Over the remaining Plan period a target of 1500 affordable homes will be sought.
H10 Non self-contained bedsitting rooms, shared accommodation and hostels
H10 The conversion of existing buildings or construction of new buildings to be used as non self-contained bedsitting rooms, shared accommodation or hostels will be permitted provided that the existing residential character of the area would not be harmed as a result of unacceptable levels of activity, vehicle manoeuvring and car parking associated with the development.
H11 Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes
H11 Residential care homes and nursing homes will be permitted provided that:–
- (i) It would not result in an excessive concentration in any one area which would harm its existing character
- (ii) It would not lead to significant increases in traffic volumes through, and manoeuvring within, the local residential streets
H12 Gypsies and other Travelling People
H12 Developments accommodating gypsies and travellers must take into account both the requirements of the travellers and the interest of local residents and other occupiers of land.
In determining Planning Applications account will be taken of the need for sites to:–
- (i) Be well located for shops, schools, social and health services and employment
- (ii) Have good access to the primary route network, to public transport and have provision for parking, turning and servicing
- (iii) Include suitable landscaping treatment
- (iv) Be located so as to avoid unacceptable levels of pollution, noise, fumes, odours, dust or other nuisance from adjacent land uses
- (v) Avoid any unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area in terms of visual appearance, traffic generation, noise or other nuisance
Sites of Nature Conservation Interest, SSSIs and Green Belt land as defined on the Proposals Map are not appropriate locations.
H13 Travelling Showground People
H13 The following sites are proposed for travelling showground people:–continues
H14 Houseboats
H14 Residential moorings in the Floating Harbour will be permitted provided:– continues
