Fears of traffic chaos due to huge development plans near Temple Meads

Residents living in the borough near Temple Meads have said they are worried about the levels of traffic that are set to flood their quiet streets once hundreds of new homes are built. The Dings is a quiet neighborhood near Bristol Central Station, now surrounded by industry.

But it is set to transform in the coming years as new student housing, flats and a brand new secondary school are built as part of the wider Temple Quarter development and Bristol University expansion.

Nola Hersey, president of the Dings Community Association, expressed concerns to developers about the risk of potential gridlock, as well as some solutions for the wider community. The residents’ group is calling for more bike lanes, safer crossings and increased pedestrian access. They would also like to see an affordable supermarket and new bus routes to serve the community.

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The Silverthorne Lane development includes plans for a new secondary school as well as 367 new homes, student accommodation and office space. But the community group said it was concerned about the narrow dead-end road it is being built on.

The association said “local residents see potential dangers at the junction where it meets Gas Lane”. There are also fears of potential “chaos” during student move-in days at the start and end of each academic term.

Residents have also identified several “dangerous” road junctions and are seeking assurances from developers that they will be safe. The community would also like to see an extension of the road planters on Barton Road so that children can safely walk to Hannah Moore Primary School.

Despite there being a number of shops, including a supermarket at nearby Avonmeads Retail Park, residents said it was difficult to access without a car. Dings residents have to walk to Old Square to catch a bus after the service that previously served their community was discontinued several years ago – leaving some older and disabled residents without cars feeling stranded .

It also asks developers to consider additional green spaces, trees and indoor community spaces to help accommodate new residents.

A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “We plan to ensure that our new campus and the wider regeneration of the Temple Quarter will boost the local economy and contribute to the area’s already vibrant community.