Proposed development on the existing New Look site

Last July, the Planning and Development Committee enjoyed a presentation to illustrate Thomas Homes Ltd’s proposal for the redevelopment of the New Look site.

In broad terms, members welcomed this proposal to redevelop an uninspiring c20 commercial site into a mixed residential and retail area which could rejuvenate the space between the Fisherton Street – Crane Street Riverside Walk and fronting a significant section of the pedestrianised High Street. This is a prime location which forms part of the medieval chequer layout of the city centre. Increased public access to the river and creation of a new pedestrian route between the High Street at River Avon was felt to be a significant enhancement. The concept of opening the centre of the site with good pedestrian access, car and bicycle parking, and soft landscaping was applauded. It was suggested that effort would have to be made to encourage members of the public to use this new pedestrian route between the Riverside Walk and the High Street and that buildings could dominate the Riverside Walk if care was not taken to reduce height.

Whilst welcoming the plans in principle, there were areas for concern and suggestions made for sensitive adjustments to the plans which it was felt would improve design and access further. A wide-ranging discussion included (but not limited to) concern about safety of vehicular access to / from the site at the junction of the pedestrianised section of the High Street and New Canal, the scale of some buildings and proximity to the riverside, loss of specimen silver maple trees, need for retail space to be extended, numbers of car park spaces allowed and need for affordable housing to be met.

Additionally, it was felt by some members that a real opportunity for some sensitive but ambitious design had been wasted, with priority being given to a pastiche of historic styles present in other parts of the city. Other members felt that the developers had tried to accommodate pre-existing architectural styles with an eye to blending in rather than making a bold statement.

The Society made a number of key recommendations in their initial Consultee Response and have more recently submitted a final General Response. It was hoped that the Applicant would have included the Society’s recommendation of a gallery (or similar) at the High Street entrance to encourage non-residents to use the newly created access path. There appears to have been no change to the size of retail units, despite the Society’s view that shops needed greater behind scenes space for storage and amenities.

Outstanding concerns remain the scale and proximity of buildings along the western side of the site, although it was noted that moderate changes and orientation had been made to allow retention of the silver maples. Additional comments relating to the landscaping, green and blue infrastructure were also submitted. Members welcomed the reduction of number of car spaces from 24 to nine. There was reluctant acceptance that provision of affordable housing was no longer financially viable.

With regard to use of materials, there is still uncertainty in the Design and Access statement about the type of bricks to be used and the Society will be keen to review proposed materials in due course.