Plans to for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to acquire the long derelict Kleeneze site from Tesco were welcomed by South Glos Greens this month.
The site has been owned by Tesco, who have fought to develop the site into a massive supermarket since 2003. Greens joined many in the local community in opposing the moves over concerns of the impact on local businesses and traffic in the area. The plans faltered and the site has remained out of action, though is still used by some 40 employees of Kleeneze.
Local activist Dan Johnston said,
“We’ve been calling for residential development on the Kleeneze site for a while and we’re pleased to see there has been some progress. Former commercial sites are a great opportunity to tackle the housing crisis, and it’s good to see the HCA stepping up where our own South Glos council has failed. We’ll be following developments closely to ensure affordable housing is provided and the views of the community properly recognised at all stages.”
The agency is credited with securing the development of Hanham Hall into a modern eco-village that puts community at the heart of the development, something that should certainly be considered for this area so close to the high street.Green Metro Mayor candidate and community housing developer Darren Hall had visited both sites earlier this year on a visit to hear from residents about proposals to build on nearby Greenbelt land, and had at that time called for the Kleeneze site to be utilised instead.