NIMBY or Not: The Debate Over Development in Bedminster

Are my neighbours all NIMBYs? It’s a question that has sparked debate on my street in Bedminster, a vibrant inner city suburb of Bristol. As plans for the new Bedminster Green development were unveiled last year, opinions have been flying left and right, and it seems like everyone has something to say about it.

We’re fortunate enough on our street to live a 2-minute walk from Bedminster Railway Station and within 15 minutes of the city centre. We are 5 minutes from a high street, supermarkets, a library, restaurants, pubs, lots of coffee shops, a gym, post office and banks.

The proposed Bedminster Green development includes new apartments and student accommodation in tall tower blocks surrounding a central green space. For many town planners, this seems like a no-brainer, strategically placing homes next to jobs and transport hubs, promoting sustainability and reducing the need for cars. However, the response from our neighbours has been anything but enthusiastic.

The primary concerns raised by those on our street revolve around the loss of trees, the issue of parking for residents, and the perceived high cost of the apartments, leading to accusations of greed against the developers. Anti-development groups have sprung up, printing leaflets, and lobbying local councillors to vote against the development. But what strikes me the most is the level of engagement on our street’s WhatsApp group, which has transitioned from a group that mainly involved passing on children toys and clothes, to now discussing the pitfalls of the new Bedminster Green development and venting people’s anger.

As a planner of over 20 years, I felt it was time to engage with my neighbours on this and join the WhatsApp debate. What I discovered was enlightening and disheartening at the same time. There were those vehemently opposed to the capitalist ideology, deeming profit as inherently wrong - and developers simply greedy. Then, there were the environmentalists who voiced concerns about the loss of trees (albeit they are low quality trees on a patch of underused amenity land that is sadly only a popular spot for antisocial behaviour in the evenings). And finally, the majority - those who simply didn’t have the time or inclination to form an informed opinion on the development, and either stayed out of it, or were happy to object if only to support their neighbours.

The challenge, as I see it, lies in the lack of information and education about what the new development entails. The majority of objections seem to stem from a lack of awareness about the housing crisis and the dire need for more homes in Bristol. This is where I believe local planning authorities need to step in and provide a balanced view of the proposed developments to the community.

It’s important to acknowledge that the objections are not without merit. However, the lack of comprehensive information and support from local authorities often leads to a delay in important developments, causing more people to suffer while waiting for suitable housing. The real cost of this delay is seen in those who have been on council housing waiting lists for extended periods, as well as families living in temporary accommodation. This is the real cost that we are sadly blind to on our street.

With brownfield development back at the top of political agenda now is the time for local authorities to step up and steer the conversation.

While I may not have yet been able to sway anyone’s opinion on our street, I am grateful for the opportunity to shed light on the implications of rejecting important developments. It is my hope that through informed and balanced conversations, we can arrive at decisions that benefit the entire community, particularly those in need of affordable housing.

#planning #communityengagement #development #housingcrisis

Bristol City Council Watkin Jones Group Dandara Living

https://www.eastbedminster.com/bedminster-green/