'Unacceptable' City's planners call on Government to reject HMO bid

BRISTOL City Council is urging government planning inspectors to refuse permission to turn a former care home in Fishponds into two huge shared houses.

- Adam POSTANS Local Democracy Reporter adam postans@reachplccom

As previously reported, neighbours have objected to the proposed conversion of Chasefield House, Fishponds Road, into a total of 19 bedsits because of fears about pedestrian safety and parking problems.

Now the local authority's planning officers have echoed those concerns and are recommending that the redevelopment is rejected.

The two houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) - one a 10-bed and the other nine - would be operated by Creative Independent Living, which provides accommodation and support for vulnerable people on behalf of the city council's social services.

The organisation has bypassed the council's planning department, which is in special measures, and submitted its application directly to the Government's Planning Inspectorate which will make the decision, expected in early October. But City Hall's planning team can still make representations and give advice, and it has now asked that the scheme is refused.