Dandara secures approval for 252-home Bristol neighbourhood
Go-ahead for redevelopment of former industrial site into sustainable new community in Fishponds.
1 July 2026
Dandara has secured Reserved Matters planning approval for a 252-home residential development in Fishponds, Bristol, allowing work to begin on the regeneration of the former Graphic Packaging International site.
Construction is expected to start this summer, transforming the brownfield site into a new neighbourhood delivering a mix of one to four-bedroom homes alongside extensive public open space, landscaping and community infrastructure.
The approved scheme retains the 252 homes previously granted outline consent, with more than half comprising two, three and four-bedroom houses. A total of 56 homes, representing 22% of the development, will be delivered as affordable housing.
Alongside new homes, the development has been designed to create a highly sustainable neighbourhood, with a strong emphasis on green infrastructure, active travel and biodiversity.
A central public green space will form the heart of the development, complemented by children's play areas, landscaped public realm and a dedicated pedestrian and cycle route running through the site. The layout has also been revised to ensure pedestrians and cyclists can move across the development without crossing vehicle routes, while new "home zone" streets have been designed to create safer, people-focused spaces for residents.
The proposals include approximately 150 to 170 new trees and landscaping that is expected to deliver biodiversity net gain well above planning policy requirements. All homes will be built to the latest low-carbon building standards.
A commercial unit positioned on the corner of Filwood Road and Goodneston Road has been identified for healthcare provision, although the space has been designed to accommodate other community-focused uses should local healthcare requirements change.
The development will also contribute towards wider infrastructure improvements, including around £430,000 for local highway junctions and public transport enhancements, together with an estimated £1.46 million through the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Dandara said the project would also support local employment during construction, with opportunities for apprenticeships and jobs, while the completed neighbourhood is expected to generate around £650,000 in annual council tax revenue.
William Bishop, Head of Land at Dandara, described the approval as a major milestone for both the company and the Fishponds community, thanking Bristol City Council officers, consultants and stakeholders who had worked collaboratively throughout the planning process.
He said the development would deliver much-needed homes while supporting Bristol's continued growth and reflecting Dandara's expanding presence across the city.
The scheme also preserves a visual connection to the site's industrial heritage, with the layout redesigned to create views towards the landmark 1960s chimneys that remain an important local feature.
The project represents another example of brownfield regeneration helping to address housing demand in Bristol, combining new homes with public green space, sustainable transport connections and community facilities to create a well-connected residential neighbourhood on a former industrial site.
