Estella Tincknell writes

July 25 2017
Estella Tincknell writes

Times are changing in Lockleaze ward. There is a lot of potential development in the pipeline which will come on stream in the years ahead.

Times are changing in Lockleaze ward. There is a lot of potential development in the pipeline which will come on stream in the years ahead. This includes badly needed new housing on sites at Constable Road/Crome Road and at the old school at the top of Romney Avenue which Bristol City Council is leading on. In addition, the Muller Road area is a focus with proposals being put forward for the old B and Q site by commercial sources, together with a proposal for an Aldi store in addition to the Lidl which has already received planning approval. There are also significant changes being planned at Eastgate Retail Park.

On the one hand we clearly need new housing in Bristol, with more than 10,000 people on the council waiting list and homelessness at record levels. We also need better facilities and the jobs that this will bring. But on the other, such developments also bring challenges, including more traffic and congestion in an area where this is already a problem, and further threats to air quality. To add to the complexity of the situation, because the City Council faces unprecedented reductions in spending it has reduced capacity to handle planning, transport, and environmental demands.

So, we need to work together as a community to find practical solutions. The recent Neighbourhood Forum meeting at the Old Library was a good start, with more than 60 people attending and giving their views on these developments. The City Council will be undertaking a transport study of the Muller Road area and we will make sure that the community is fully involved in that. I think we also need to find a way to provide an air quality monitor somewhere on Muller Road adjacent to the M32. It is vital that we are able to assess the possible impact on our health of new works and take the action needed. I also welcome the idea of a regular Planning Page in the Horfield and Lockleaze Voice to keep everyone informed. We can also use social media and make sure we set up further meetings and Neighbourhood Forums.

Understanding the basics of the way the planning system works is essential too. We will therefore be holding a drop-in information session on Planning to explore this in the near future. That way, we councillors can get a picture of the community’s views and the community can get a better idea of the different plans being put forward. Together we can help to ensure Lockleaze flourishes as a place to live and to work over the next decade.

Watch this space!

Let me know what you think? Cllr.Estella.Tincknell@Bristol.gov.uk