Five-storey block of student accommodation proposed for empty site

There is a regular chain of events when it comes to planning applications. A number of storeys is first suggested by developers which after public consultation is reduced in a revised application and subsequently approved by councillors, with the lower height seen as a win-win for all parties

So do not expect a five-storey block of purpose-built student accommodation to look what it currently looks like in the initial designs which developers describe as a “key visual anchor” for the area

Five storeys seems wildly inappropriate for this corner of St Werburgh’s, a residential area which is almost entirely comprised of two-storey buildings other than a pair of three-storey blocks of flats the other side of the York Street roundabout

Two small shop units on the ground floor are part of the plans for the site on the corner of Mina Road and Tyne Street next to Sonni’s

The land is currently empty land following the demolition of the long-derelict Kernow building

What used to be Kernow Audio & Sound on Mina Road in St Werburgh’s (seen here in 2022) remained empty for years before it was finally demolished in 2025 – photo: Martin Booth

On the upper floors, Bristol Surveying Co. say there will be “26 spacious, en-suite student bedrooms arranged in cluster flats, supported by four generous common rooms”

In their design & access statement submitted to Bristol City Council, the Oldland Common developers say that the block opposite Mina Road Park will have “a sympathetic step-down along Tyne Street to respect the adjacent two-storey residential terrace”

Developers add: “The material palette is to comprise red brickwork paired with cream-coloured render, reflecting the traditional material vernacular of the surrounding buildings…

“The five-storey principal corner block forms a landmark structure that anchors the junction opposite the public park

“The scale sits comfortably beside the tall two-storey commercial buildings along Mina Road, establishing a balanced street corner.”

Main image: Bristol Surveying Co

Read next:

• Long-awaited demolition of crumbling building underway
• New deli and bakery opens inside butchers
• Plans submitted for 24-storey tower containing student flats

Source: www.bristol247.com