Plans for a Travelodge and a Greggs drive-through at Abbey Wood Retail Park have been approved despite fears they will create a traffic “nightmare”.
Stoke Gifford Parish Council and 14 residents objected on the grounds that not enough car parking spaces would be provided and the proposals would exacerbate congestion around the MoD roundabout.
But South Gloucestershire Council development management committee granted permission by 7 votes to one after hearing planning policies weighed heavily in favour of economic development at such sites.
The four-storey, 85-bedroom hotel and separate takeaway on the A4174 will share 46 car parking spaces, with shoppers’ spaces used as overspill and access via the existing road into McDonald’s.
Councillors heard the application by the retail park’s owners would create 25 jobs and help accommodate visitors when YTL’s Bristol Arena opens at Filton Airfield.
But Cllr Ernie Brown told the meeting on Thursday, December 10, that it was not needed and neighbours’ concerns were being ignored.
He said: “We should be looking at the residents’ point of view, not the developers’.
“Parking is a real issue for this car park.
“To say hotels can use this space is completely wrong. That car park, the A38, the MoD roundabout and the ring road are completely chockablock and that is a major concern.
“To say it’s easy access is absolute nonsense. This is going to be a nightmare of an access.
“We already have four hotels within a mile of this area. We don’t need any more hotels. We don’t need any more takeaways.”
A highways officer told members that traffic was heavy but the development would not generate enough extra vehicles to have a significant impact.
He said hotel guests tended to arrive after rush hour and that empty shoppers’ car parking spaces would be available if those proposed were full.
A report to members said: “Officers conclude that the proposed development would result in significant enhancements to the local economy, delivering a number of socio-economic benefits whilst creating a greater diversity of uses across both the Stoke Gifford District Centre and the Abbey Wood Retail Park.”
Cllr Brian Hopkinson said the plans, submitted by Greenspruce GP and Invesco Real Estate, created a good balance of commercial enterprises in the area ahead of the arena opening.
“I cannot see any valid reason why it cannot go ahead,” he said.
“I really like this site. There is viability and parking is not a problem.
“We’ve got a problem with HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) in the area.
“A hotel will provide accommodation for people coming to the arena.
“What are we going to do – have people going into Airbnbs everywhere?
“We need hotel rooms and this is a good location for it.”
Cllr Judy Adams said: “This hotel would be a great asset.”
