The development partners behind the redevelopment of a Grade II listed 1960s former special school in Bristol are considering next steps for the circa £80m later living project after their planning application was refused.
Socius, Amicala and FORE Partnership intended to build a net zero retirement community offering more than 100 homes at Christopher’s Square in Westbury Park, restoring the existing heritage buildings on the derelict site.
The proposals also included amenities such as a cafe/bistro, activity rooms and a wellness suite with a hydrotherapy pool, gym and exercise rooms.
The development partners said the scheme was designed to achieve the highest standards in sustainability and to be one of the only integrated retirement communities in the UK to be net zero in operation.
Basil Demeroutis, managing partner of FORE Partnership, said: “We’ve worked hard on this scheme for two years now, and still believe in its core strengths, which were acknowledged by a number of the committee members. We are deeply disappointed that the full benefits of this much needed development, which tackles the climate crisis head on, supports Bristol’s net zero targets and provides urgently needed housing for the city, were not fully recognised.
“While we believe that the overall refusal does not accurately reflect the true potential and merits of our proposal, we respect the process and will now take time as a team to consider our next steps.”
