A plan to build 144 homes on Novers Hill, a wildlife safe haven, has been rejected by the Bristol City Council.
Lovell Homes had hoped to turn the area, which many residents have claimed to see otters, bats, and birds of prey in, into a new residential area with a mix of flats, homes and a play area for families. However the Council rejected these plans on the 19th July, citing the steepness of the hill as extremely problematic. The Council say that, because of the steep slopes on the site, it would’ve made these houses and flats only accessible by car, meaning that cyclists, wheelchair users, and ordinary pedestrians who walk everywhere would’ve found it difficult if not impossible to live there.
Philippa Howson, a Council Transport Officer, even went as far to say:
“If you lived there and were a regular alpine climber, you’d have no problem … But the average person would have found it to be strenuous to bring your shopping back, or just day to day living”
So what next for the hilly area known as the Western Slopes by the locals? Please check out our latest bitesize news video to find out.
