South Bristol development gets go-ahead

More than 2,500 people signed a petition to protect the reserve

The proposed 'masterplan' redevelopment of Hengrove Park in Bristol has been given the green light.

On Tuesday, the city council voted to develop 44 acres of the 196 acre site.

Concerns have been raised by wildlife campaigners that a nature reserve in the park - designated of nature conservation interest by the council three years ago - will be adversely affected.

The development, to be finished in five to six years time, will include more than 500 houses, a new hospital and a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Labour councillor Helen Holland, who voted in favour of the development, told the BBC: "Whatever takes place, preserving that site of nature interest is high on our list.

""We want to regenerate South Bristol and put facilities there that have so far passed it by."

Public consultation on the proposals will now go-ahead.