A standoff is brewing in Bedminster — and at its heart is a long-empty site, a major housing scheme, and a sharp drop in affordable homes.Developers Donard Homes have given Bristol City Council a choice: accept a reduced offer of just thirty-one affordable flats — or risk an expensive appeal.
00:43That was slashed to just 25 last month, triggering a backlash from councillors who refused to sign off the change and sent everyone back to the negotiation table.
00:55Now, the developers say that they'll stretch to 31 affordable homes, six more than before, but warn that if the council says no, they'll appeal.
01:05And that could cost the council thousands.
01:07Donard claims the delay in approval and rising construction costs with Bristol, now ranked the eighth most expensive city in the world to build, have made the original plans financially unworkable.
01:21They say that they even approached 50 housing associations, but none were willing to step in to help and fund more affordable homes.
01:30Instead, the developer is offering to cover the cost of those extra six homes themselves, not out of the generosity, but to avoid the cost and delay of a formal planning appeal.
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