Plans to demolish vacant offices, build 160 homes and bring a Cold War nuclear bunker back into use have been approved. Bristol city councillors granted permission unanimously on the advice of officers after hearing the outline proposals to redevelop the former DWP buildings and driving test centre in Flowers Hill, Brislington, met all planning policies and had received no objections.
A key part of the scheme by London property company Telereal Trillium is to breathe new life into the neglected Grade II-listed Bristol War Room by giving it a community or commercial use, development control committee members heard. The shelter was built in 1953 to “protect the functions of regional government from the atomic bomb and to coordinate civil defence”, a report to councillors said.
It said: “The proposed uses for the War Room, in principle, are acceptable for the listed building. The most significant concern in relation to the War Room is the wider site and masterplan achieving an appropriate layout, scale and appearance so that the historic setting isn't compromised.
