00:00Bristol is at a crossroads for development with several major projects experiencing delays, rejections and planning disputes.
00:10One of the most visible changes concerns bike lanes in the city centre.
00:15Bristol City Council planned new lanes on High Street, Wine Street and Union Street,
00:21designed to improve cycling links with existing routes on Baldwin Street and Bristol Bridge.
00:25These schemes are now on hold, postponed until construction for nearby developments are underway.
00:32The delays are attributed to budget changes, rising costs and alignment with other construction work,
00:39as part of the city-region sustainable transport settlement.
00:44Meanwhile, a gym in Fishponds has had planning permission, refused for a second time.
00:48Culture Training Club opened in a former car showroom on New Station Way without approval,
00:53and neighbours reported excessive noise.
00:56Despite the gym's popularity, council officers cited noise concerns,
01:00particularly during early morning hours.
01:02Residents and local councillors supported the refusal,
01:05although the gym's owners proposed measures including soundproofing, sealed windows and music limiters.
01:11In South Bristol, plans for the city's tallest tower have been blocked,
01:15following concerns over height and impact on historic views.
01:19Galliard Apsley proposed 434 flats, including 87 affordable homes and 400 student beds across four blocks,
01:28with a 23-storey tower.
01:30Local residents and action groups objected, citing over-intensification impacts on St Mary Redcliffe Church views
01:37and potential effects on pupils at nearby schools.
01:40Developers argued the scheme is essential for regeneration and affordable housing.
01:44The planning committee rejected the plans, although officers may review them for potential revisions in future.
01:50The city is also addressing specialist care needs,
01:53with a new secure home for children with complex mental health needs.
01:57Bristol City Council approved plans for a facility costing nearly a million pounds
02:01to provide tailored care for two children under deprivation of Liberty Orders.
02:06The initiative is intended to offer safe local provision,
02:09whilst reducing reliance on costly placements outside the area.
02:12Children will receive wraparound support from social care and health services,
02:17with the goal of transitioning them to foster care or family placement once stable.
02:21Finally, Bristol's broader infrastructure programme is facing challenges,
02:27with around 20 pence of every pound planned left unspent annually.
02:33The capital programme, including £22 million for housing, £60 million for transport
02:38and £10 million for carbon reduction projects,
02:41has been hindered by supply chain issues and post-pandemic construction delays.
02:45Council has acknowledged that underspending slows improvements to roads, bridges and public facilities,
02:50even as the city seeks to deliver new homes, transport upgrades and community services efficiently.
02:56And that's your roundup of the latest developments across Bristol.
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