Tower block plans for Lawrence Hill roundabout thrown out

PLANS to turn a site off Lawrence Hill roundabout into a 15-storey apartment block which would be seen from as far as Totterdown and Trooper's Hill have been thrown out.

Outline proposals were submitted for a car-free apartment complex at the triangular Leisure Island, including 122 flats as well as commercial and retail space. The plans included room for 260 cycles but no car parking spaces.

The development featured a single 15-storey tower with a six-storey block around the perimeter.

But Bristol City Council has now told the applicant – a Ms L Brice – that the scheme is too large and modern for the area.

A report said: “The 15 storey and 6 storey elements of the proposal by virtue of their height, scale, massing, materials and design would result in unacceptable impacts on the character and appearance of this part of the Old Market Conservation Area, including the local and wider townscape and views.”

The scheme would also be out of keeping with nearby Holy Trinity Church and would “harm the significance” of the locally listed buildings that are on the triangle.

The report added the site's location, in an area with high traffic along two sides, was not ideal for a living complex: “The application fails to demonstrate that the site can achieve an acceptable living environment for future occupiers.”

There were also concerns about broadband provision, drainage and servicing and pedestrian access.