| Abstract: |
On this basis a 500m study area measured from the boundaries of the Site, was considered sufficient to capture the relevant HER data, and provide the necessary context for understanding archaeological potential and heritage significance in respect of the Site. All of the spatial data held by the HER – the primary historic data repository – for the land within the study area, was requested. The records were analysed and further refined in order to narrow the research focus onto those of relevance to the present assessment. Not all HER records are therefore referred to, discussed or illustrated further within the body of this report, only those that are relevant. A site visit was also undertaken as part of this assessment. The primary objectives of the site visit were to assess the Site’s historic landscape context, including its association with any known or potential heritage assets, and to identify any evidence for previous truncation of the on-site stratigraphy. The site visit also allowed for the identification of any previously unknown heritage assets within the Site, and assessment of their nature, condition, significance and potential susceptibility to impact. The wider landscape was examined, as relevant, from accessible public rights of way. In June 2022, Cotswold Archaeology was commissioned by Malago Road Bristol Limited to prepare a Heritage Assessment in respect of land south of Malago Road, Bedminster, Bristol. This Heritage Assessment has established that there are likely to be buried structural remains of 19th and 20th century residential and industrial buildings within the Site. Such remains would not be anticipated to be of such a level of significance that they would preclude development within the Site, in principle. However, it is likely further archaeological mitigation will be required to offset any harm to surviving remains. The scope of any further works can be agreed with the archaeological advisor to the LPA through a WSI. A settings assessment has been undertaken in relation to nearby designated heritage assets. In relation to the nearby Bedminster Conservation Area, previous assessments (Cotswold Archaeology January 2019 and November 2019) concluded that the current condition of the Site negatively impacted upon its character, and the proposal was therefore seen as positive change. The Appeal of April 2021 (APP/Z0116/W/19/3242232 and APP/Z0116/W/20/3249159) found harm to the character and appearance of the area in general, including the Conservation Area. The current proposed development is for three tower blocks within the Site ranging from five to ten storeys in height. It is considered that in light of the recently consented tall structures along Dalby Avenue (including two over 10 storeys), the proposed development will be in keeping with the current baseline. We acknowledge that the Inspector concluded that the prior proposal on the Site would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of the Conservation Area, but that the public benefits of the scheme would be sufficient to outweigh the heritage harm identified. However, it is considered that, as a result of the changes to the development proposals (particularly a reduction in scale and massing) and the changes to the baseline condition, the proposed development would give rise to no harm to the significance of the Conservation Area. Accordingly, the proposals are consistent with the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021), Policy BCS22 of the Core Strategy (2011), Policy DM31 of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Document (2014) and Sections 66(i) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act (1990). |
