Housing plans Homes on playing fields could help fund new school building

HUNDREDS of new homes planned for waterlogged playing fields in South Bristol could soon help to pay to build a new school building.

- Alex DRISCOLL

The playing fields are next to the John Williams high school and New Oak primary school in Hengrove but some of the land will likely be built on.

Bristol City Council and Oasis Community Learning, an academy chain, will work together on finding a developer to build around 360 homes on some of the playing fields, a new primary school building, nursery, teacher training facility and provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The playing fields aren’t often used due to poor drainage.

The plan to use the playing fields was approved by councillors on the strategy and resources policy committee on Monday, December 15. But developers still need to get planning permission from a separate committee, when more details of the new homes will be revealed to the public. While the fields are popular with dog walkers, the development includes upgraded open space.