The Hill Group submits plans for much-needed homes on former tobacco factory site

The Hill Group has submitted a planning application for the Amerind Grove site on Raleigh Road in Bristol, which was once the site of the Wills Tobacco Factory, to develop over 100 high-quality, sustainable new homes.

This follows a public exhibition conducted in early June to showcase Hill's proposals and provide a forum for residents to respond.

Hill will deliver three, four, and five-bedroom family houses, as well as one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom maisonettes, building on its reputation for developing sustainable community-focused residential projects. Approximately one-third (30%) of the homes will be affordable.

Hill's plans will revitalise the 3.5-acre site previously occupied by a care home, significantly increasing housing availability in the popular Southville neighbourhood. Hill has selected a Bristol-based architect to partner with on the design of the homes, drawing on the area's classic terraced vernacular to create well-appointed, high-quality modern homes. The development will link to the surrounding area by two new tree-lined access roads.

Hill has appointed a professional guardian service to provide short-term, affordable accommodation for local people during the planning process. All applicants seeking to be a short-term guardian living at the property will be independently assessed and required to sign a code of conduct.

Andy Hill OBE, Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, comments: “There is an acute housing shortage in Bristol, particularly for family homes. We have worked with the local Southville community to ensure our planning application for the Amerind Grove site will help address local housing needs. It will provide a sustainable development of over 100 high-quality, energy-efficient family homes, including over 30 much-needed affordable homes for local people, and we look forward to working with Bristol City Council to successfully progress this application.”

Built with sustainability in mind, the homes at Raleigh Road will feature high levels of insulation and airtightness. The properties will exceed energy regulations through the use of low-carbon technology and energy-efficient design, including air-source heat pumps to provide gas-free heating and hot water. Permeable paving, green roofs, rain gardens, and underground water tanks will also be included within the development to minimise surface water run-off; Hill is committed to environmental conservation and aims to achieve over 20% biodiversity net gain on this development. To encourage sustainable transport and reduce the total number of cars, approximately 185 cycle parking spaces will be provided. The construction phase will also provide local residents with employment and training opportunities.

Andy Hill adds: "This recent planning application forms part of our long-term commitment to developing new residential communities in Bristol and the South West, where we have become increasingly active in recent years."

A growing number of successful partnerships has helped Hill build its reputation in the City and surrounding area in recent times, including with Goram Homes on phase one of the Hengrove Park development in South Bristol and the proposed Baltic Wharf development at Bristol's Floating Harbour. Nearby, Hill is also working with The Guinness Partnership to deliver McArthur's Yard, which will form part of the Bristol harbourside regeneration.