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HowZat? is a campaign group formed by local residents from Bishopston and Ashley Down. The objective of the group is to challenge and revise the stadium expansion plans put forward by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC).
These plans include an increase from 3668 to 18500 permanent seats, funded by an enabling development of accommodation for 350 students in 5 to 7 storey blocks in the stands. For more details on the plans click here.
On 10th March 2010, Bristol City Council Development Control (North) Committee approved GCCC’s plans for expansion (to view webcast click here. (The GCCC section starts about half way through.)
- Despite massive opposition from local residents concerned about noise, nuisance, traffic and parking.
- Despite the plans not complying with local planning policies on sports stadia, tall buildings and conservation areas.
- Despite the potential adverse effects on the new Bishopston Primary School.
- Despite errors and inconsistencies in the plans submitted(to view HowZat?’s statements to the committee click here).
HOWEVER
- We know that there is no demand for more purpose built student accommodation in this part of Bristol.
- AND the student blocks have not been approved yet - only the access and layout for them - NOT the scale or the massing.
- These are "reserved matters" and have to go back to the committee.
- We shall continue to focus on challenging this enabling development.
- Without the student accommodation the expansion is extremely unlikely to happen.
- In the Evening Post on 12th March Tom Richardson, GCCC Chief Executive, admits that the Cricket Club still needs to secure funding.
We probably don't have to remind you that the Memorial Ground Expansion was approved in January 2007 and has yet to be built, including its student accommodation!
We hope we have your support to carry on the campaign. To get involved click here.
What the Plans include:
- An increase from 3668 to 18500 permanent seats to enable the hosting of international cricket matches and entertainment events.
- The expansion is to be funded by building and leasing student accommodation. 350 students would be housed in 5 to 7 storey blocks within the ground.
What the Plans DON'T include:
- GCCC are proposing no significant change to their current traffic management plans. The plans do not include increased parking provision.
- The plans have no limitations to the frequency and type of sporting and entertainment events that will be held at the ground.
- There will be no parking for the students. Students will sign a lease that states they cannot park within 1.5km, but there are no arrangements to enforce this.
Latest news
29th March, 2010, Watch out for the new separate planning application for the student block size and scale that will be coming out soon. Watch this space.
10th March 2010, Council Planning Committee approves the 09/03891/P Planning Application. Watch a recording of the committee hearing here. (The GCCC section starts about half way through.)
7th March - GCCC Planning Applications to be heard by Development Control (North) Committee on Wednesday 10th March at 4 pm at the Council House. PLEASE COME ALONG TO SUPPORT US! We know this is an inconvenient time for many people - so if you are able to come we really need your support. Link to the Planning Officer's Report on the main (hybrid) application here.
3rd March 2010, Planning Committee Meeting on 10 March. Please attend and support the Howzat? campaign. You still have time to make your views known on GCCC's hybrid plan through the Council's application planning page.
1st March 2010, Planning Committee refuses request from Howzat? to hold the Planning meeting at a more convenient time.
17th February 2010,Council Plans to Teach New Primary Pupils in GCCC's Jessop Stand Function Suite. Find out more on the News page here.
11th February 2010,MP withdraws Support from Cricket Club Redevelopment Plans. Find out more on the News page here.
11th February 2010,No Significant Changes to GCCC's Revised Planning Applications. Find out more on the News page here.
23rd November, Find out more about GCCC's plans for the Mound Stand on the News page here.
6th January 2010, Don't forget, you can still comment on GCCC's hybrid plan through the Council's application planning page. This is the most important application to which to object!
You can also comment on GCCC's separate plans for the Mound Stand on the Council's application planning page.
23rd November, You can now comment on GCCC's separate plans for the Mound Stand on the Council's application planning page.
4th November, Get the HowZat? Window Poster (in PDF format, Adobe Acrobat required) here.
3rd November, Watch out for the HowZat? street stall on Gloucester Road on Saturday 7th November - details TDB.
3rd November, Postal strike action causes deadline for submitting comments to the Planning Officer to be extended.
19th October, You can now comment on GCCC's plans through the Council's application planning page.
Note: Click on 'submit comments' then you can type your comments in, you just need to ensure you tick 'object' in the nature of submission section. You get 32,767 characters - should be enough to make your objection!
15th October, GCCC Planning Submission story in the Bristol Evening Post Find out more on the Media page here.
8th October, The GCCC plans have been submitted to Bristol City Council. Find out more on the News page here.
27th September, Feedback wanted on traffic and parking restrictions. Find out more on the News page here.
27th September, MP Stephen Williams and HOWZAT? at the Bishopston Society. Find out more on the News page here.