Cotham Gardens update

alison

A team of local volunteers turned out as usual on the first Saturday of the month, sweeping the paths, weeding and dead-heading the plants in the flowerbed at the top of the hill opposite Cotham Gardens Primary School, and watering the bed and the young trees that have been recently planted. The council parks department have been watering the trees too so we are hopeful that they will survive this very long dry period. The soil in the flower bed is v parched and cracked, any attempt to get a fork into the ground is wasted, so all we can do is keep watering the plants that need help and plan to introduce some more drought resistant species in the future.

Have you seen the new sundial bench which RCAS members have paid for? Chris Shelley worked with the team at Shape Studio based in Eastfield Road BS6 to replace the vandalised timber slats with a more robust galvanised flat bar which was fitted to the existing framework. Visitors to the park are very pleased to have the bench back in use.

A tree in the lime tree avenue is scheduled for felling after a fungal infection was confirmed. This is going to leave quite a gap in the row of trees along Lovers Walk. RCAS is intending to offer to pay for a replacement tree.

You may have noticed that many of the lampposts along Lovers Walk have been repainted by volunteers who also previously painted the pedestrian bridge over the railway. Many thanks to the volunteers who continue to keep our local park looking good.

We were delighted with the turnout for the Cotham Gardens Pizza in the Park party on July 19th. It was timed to coincide with the end-of-term PTA gathering of the families from Cotham Primary and was so successful that the Pizzas had all been sold by 6.30pm! This was a disappointment to later arrivals but the party continued, thanks to Lucy from Roam Wild Coffee who ran the bar and her helpers, to Deliveroo and to Chris and the volunteers for setting up the gazebo and bunting and clearing away after the event. Next year, the Pizza man has promised to double the quantities he brings up to the event.

Planning updates

alison

RCAS planning report  August 2026

Recent Planning Applications:

26/11841/F | Change of use from a residential institution / care home (Class C2) to student accommodation (Sui Generis) together with associated external alterations, landscaping, access and servicing arrangements. | St Josephs 66 Cotham Hill Bristol BS6 6JT RCAS has commented supporting retention of the building but objecting to the proposed use as student accommodation. Revisions have been made to improve the living conditions of future residents but RCAS objection stands.

26/12201/F| Erection of new dwelling and demolition of rear lean to, new windows in rear elevation, and roof replacement with rear dormer roof extension with velux to existing dwelling. 23 Kersteman Road Bristol BS6 7BX  | revised information submitted but RCAS objection stands

26/12089/F | Demolition of the existing garage and construction of a single-storey replacement garage. | 19 Burlington Road Bristol BS6 6TJ RCAS objected and asked for replacement of tree. APPROVED with no action required on tree replacement

Still waiting

24/02736/P  Land At Home Gardens Redland Hill Bristol BS6 6UR; Application for outline planning permission with some matters reserved – Redevelopment of the site comprising demolition of existing buildings and the erection of two new buildings to provide up to 60 residential units (Class C3) and up to 209 sq.m. (GIA) of flexible office space (Class E) to Whiteladies Road ground floor frontage, and associated works (Access, Scale and Layout to be determined now with Appearance and Landscaping reserved for future consideration).

The previous application for this site was refused by Bristol LPA and at appeal on the grounds of adverse impact on the adjacent properties at 7 and 9 St Vincents Hill. The revised design has moved the building further from these properties and reduced the height closest to them, and increased the green buffer. Many objections made.  Planning committee decision still pending.

Local Plan policy

The Bristol Local Plan, which still under review, is back with the Inspectors for approval before adoption, which is hoped to be in November 2026. Meanwhile, work has started on the Local Plan 2045 which is being done under the new fast-track 30-month process which was introduced nationally by the Government in May 2026. This is one of the measures brought in to tackle the failure of successive governments to keep up with the supply of new housing needed in the country. Others include reducing the costs and delays on developers by reducing the amount of local consultation required on many projects, both very large, which will be decided by central government, and small, where local planning officers will take the decisions.

Open Gardens 2026

alison

Thank you to everyone who opened their gardens in June this year for the RCAS members’ visits.

Between 50 and 90 people visited the various gardens and many enjoyed the refreshments on offer from the house owners.

The charities the owners were supporting, PalMusicUK, World Cancer Research Fund, Cancer Research, the Samaritans and Aid Box Community, benefitted from the sales to garden visitors of tea, and wonderful cakes and scones.

In addition,the RCAS members had a wonderful opportunity to meet local neighbours and make new friends.

There will be a full write up with more pictures in the September newsletter.

Thank you again to the garden openers and also to the supporters of this always popular event.

Next year the RCAS Open Gardens team will be asking owners of properties in the area of RCAS between the railway and Cotham Road, and the RCAS area of Kingsdown to open their gardens.

We hope that lots of you will consider doing so. Thank you.