Policy snubbed as homes approved

BRISTOL councillors have overruled “limiting bureaucratic regulations” to pave the way for new homes that would accommodate just one person.

The city council’s planning policy does not recommend the construction of single-occupier dwellings even if they meet national housing standards.

But a planning committee ignored the policy this month to approve plans for three one-bed, one-person homes at 225 Forest Road in Hillfields.

The homes will be created by converting the two-storey Victorian house into two flats and putting a prefabricated ‘box’ home in the rear garden.

Each home will have its own small grassy space and two of them will have a small patio.

Committee members approved the homes after developer Ecomotive urged them to “stand up and make new precedents” to help solve Bristol’s housing crisis.

Council officers had recommended that councillors reject the plans, arguing that the proposed one-person homes do not provide enough room for everyday activities.

At 37sqm to 44sqm, the ground-floor flat, first-floor flat and prefabricated ‘Snug’ home all meet or exceed minimum internal floor space requirements under UK housing standards.

But an officer said “Bristol does not accept one-bed spaces” because they cannot accommodate extra residents should the need arise.

“Bristol City Council expects that all new dwellings provide at least two bed spaces,” she told the committee on December 19.

“It is considered that this is the smallest unit size that can meet the flexibility and adaptability of the policies outlined – ie. accommodate sufficient space for a partner, a child, temporary carer or visiting friends or relatives.”

But Michelle Asher, from Ecomotive, told councillors: “I’d hate to see Bristol City Council turn down a totally viable living option which addresses the need for affordable housing, small footprints, enough space for people to live comfortably and with dignity and the right to choose just based on limiting bureaucratic regulations.”

The council’s development manager, Gary Collins, advised councillors to change local planning policy if necessary rather than make a habit of overruling it.

Councillors backed the house conversion by nine votes to two before unanimously approving the ‘Snug’ prefab home.

No members of the public had objected to either application and 20 wrote in support of the prefab home.