Bizarre plan to protect iconic site a step closer

BIZARRE plans to protect the grubby urban site of Turbo Island in Bristol as a "village green" are pressing ahead as a public inquiry now looks increasingly likely.

- ALEX SEABROOK

This summer Bristol City Council hired a barrister to find out if secret development plans would scupper the village green application, but none were found.

Douglas Edwards KC found that no "trigger event" had occurred, such as a developer applying for planning permission to build on Turbo Island.

The infamous corner of Stokes Croft and Jamaica Street is part of a row over whether the site should be protected for the community.

A public inquiry would involve a hearing open to the public, where both supporters and opponents of the application can present their evidence. The inquiry would likely be held by another expensive barrister, who yet again would be paid for by the Bristol council taxpayers.