Controversial plans to redevelop a Portishead industrial estate are to be scrapped – with a new vision for the area being drawn up.
Previous plans – unpopular with businesses on the site and local residents - to redevelop Old Mill Road industrial estate into 350 new homes with a cinema, café and new shops are to be withdrawn and fresh ideas for the area sought.
A new study is now being launched with Portishead Town Council, North Somerset Council and the site owners Aberdeen Standard Investments.
The study will look at how the area around Wyndham Way – between the High Street and marina - can be regenerated, with local people being urged to have their say.
A new website has been launched at wyndhamway.co.uk with an interactive map allowing people to comment on what they think about the area – what they like, what could be improved and how Portishead can be made even better.
The feedback will be used to shape the study, which is a very early step in the discussions about the future of the area.
A spokesman for the study said “This work replaces previous plans submitted for Old Mill Road Business Park.
“The planning application for Old Mill Road Business Park will be withdrawn imminently.
“Having listened to feedback from the local community and other stakeholders, the partners are taking a fresh look at the wider area around Wyndham Way and asking for the public’s views at an early stage.”
The proposed area will look beyond the Old Mill Road Business Park and include land around Wyndham Way between the High Street, the Marina and the new proposed Metrolink station to bring the greatest benefits to Portishead.
John Brophy, head of development at Aberdeen Standard Investments said: “There is an opportunity to create something really exciting in the centre of Portishead.
“A great deal has been learnt from local feedback on previous proposals for the area around Old Mill Road and our team is looking forward to restarting a conversation about the future of this part of the town centre.
“Working closely with Portishead Town Council and North Somerset Council, we will collaborate with anyone interested in the future of this area, to create plans that support Portishead’s recovery and the town’s future success.
“More information will be available to share next year. Right now, we want to understand what people think about the area – what they like, what could be improved and how Portishead could be made an even better place to live, work and play.”
A steering group made up of representatives from Portishead Town Council, North Somerset Council and Aberdeen Standard Investments will now be set up.
The steering group will conduct a fact finding mission, gathering evidence and feedback from the local community and businesses about the future of the site.
Any ideas emerging from the study will be shared with the public next ahead of any public engagement process.
North Somerset Council executive member for planning and transport Councillor James Tonkin said: “We’re pleased that Aberdeen Standard Investments has listened to feedback it has received and will withdraw the Old Mill Road application to enable discussions about a fresh start of the area to happen.
"There is now an opportunity to look at this part of Portishead with a fresh set of eyes, understand the issues and engage partners and the community from the start.”
Paul Gardner, chairman of Portishead Town Council, said:“This is an important step for the future of Portishead.
“We welcome the decision to withdraw the previous application for the Old Mill Road Business Park and look forward to starting a fresh conversation about how a wider area can be improved to the benefit of the local community, local businesses and people visiting the town.”
People can find out more by visiting wyndhamway.co.uk and can email WWSA@social.co.uk or phone 0330 1070 535 with any questions.
