Bristol open spaces consultation starts

Consultation into plans for the development of open spaces in Bristol over the next 20 years has started.

The city council is proposing selling off more than 60 plots of land, including derelict sites and woodland.

The authority hopes selling to developers will raise £30m to revamp parks and open spaces, and enable about 10,000 new homes to be built.

Some residents living near the proposed housing sites have expressed concerns about the loss of green space.

Two sets of proposals have been drawn up. One sets out ideas to improve the city's green spaces. The plans were approved by the council's cabinet in February 2008.

The other plan identifies sites which would help deliver growth in homes, jobs and services including sports facilities.

Councillor Anthony Negus, cabinet member for strategic housing and regeneration, said: "Over the next 20 years Bristol will face competing demands for land to meet a whole range of needs.

"These include the need for land to accommodate new homes; new businesses, shops and, of course, open space."

He said the city had an agreement to build 30,000 new houses in Bristol before 2026.

"Our main consideration is that we don't impinge on greenfield land and we have and continue to take most interest in sorting out brownfield sites," he added.

The 20-week consultation runs until 29 October.