How to find out what people really think about new homes

By Paul Smith2025-09-03T06:00:00

Councils should seek the views of a representative sample of the local population, rather than a minority with vested interests, argues Paul Smith

“We call on elected councillors to retract this scandalous planning proposal and adopt instead a positive vision for the future – where people and not profit are the priority,” said a spokesperson for Bristol’s Tree Brides, so called because they had “married” trees in an attempt to prevent development. “Let’s unite against the predatory forces which threaten our historic Harbourside and make our children proud of us.”

The subject of their anger was a proposal for 166 new flats on a brownfield site in the centre of Bristol. The flats would be built by the city council’s own housing company for actual people – maybe even their children one day – to live in.

Already registered? Login here

To continue enjoying Building.co.uk, sign up for free guest access

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists. Enjoy company features, CEO interviews, architectural reviews, technical project know-how and the latest innovations.

Limited access to building.co.uk
Breaking industry news as it happens
Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

Get your free guest access SIGN UP TODAY

Subscribe now for unlimited access

Subscribe to Building today and you will benefit from:

Unlimited access to all stories including expert analysis and comment from industry leaders
Our league tables, cost models and economics data
Our online archive of over 10,000 articles
Building magazine digital editions
Building magazine print editions
Printed/digital supplements

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

View our subscription options and join our community