The underground river that runs through South Bristol could be opened up and restored

An underground river running through South Bristol could be opened up and restored as part of a regeneration project. About 420 meters of the River Malago in Bedminster could be undergoing major restoration work as part of plans to improve access to water and reduce the risk of flooding.

But campaigners and local residents are concerned that the plans also include cutting down some trees. The river is currently in poor condition, much of it passes through an underground channel and the wider area is at risk of flooding.

The plans include bringing the underground river back above ground, replacing some canal walls with plants and embankments and installing new banks. They are part of the wider regeneration of Bedminster Green, with hundreds of student flats under construction nearby.

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Bristol City Council is itself applying for planning permission for the restoration project. Councilors are to decide whether to give approval at a meeting of the A Development Control Committee on Wednesday, June 5.

The plans are opposed by the Bristol Tree Forum and the Windmill Hill and Malago planning group, due to the loss of more trees. 31 trees are to be planted elsewhere to compensate for the trees that will be cut down, although this has not allayed their concerns.

Writing to the council, a representative from the planning group said: “We believe more work needs to be done on this application. WHaM believes that the application should be rejected in its current form.

“The site is well known and appreciated by the locals. It’s a popular stop for families with small children, partly because of the flowering plants in spring, but also because it’s a shady spot with a variety of interesting trees and animals.

“Local people are very aware that Bristol has declared a biodiversity crisis and as such are understandably concerned to ensure that any proposals affecting green space improve the current situation rather than harm it.”

Several local residents also wrote to the council, urging the councilors to refuse the building permit.

One said: “While I am in favor of Malago being opened up and restored, I am strongly opposed to the loss of any trees. The trees are well-loved by the community, which feels under siege by all the intensive construction going on in the small area.”