Anger at Bristol Labour’s U-turn over Brislington Meadows

Liberal Democrat Councillors today echoed residents’ concerns as the Government agency, Homes England announced plans to appoint developer Keepmoat to build on Brislington Meadows. The meadows are an important ecological site, and campaigners have sought to protect their wildlife and biodiversity.

Despite Bristol Labour dodging a decision about whether to build on Brislington Meadows while in power, the Labour Government has pressed ahead, naming the developer and announcing that work is due to commence in 2026.

In 2020, under former Mayor Marvin Rees, Bristol Labour sold Brislington Meadows to Homes England for development. After the community and local Liberal Democrat Councillors came together to voice their opposition to the unpopular scheme, Bristol Labour U-turned and came out against development of the site – conveniently right before the local elections in 2021. This helped to carry over the line two Labour Councillors in Brislington East, as well as returning controversial Mayor Marvin Rees to office.

Now, despite Bristol Labour’s promised opposition, the Labour Government is ploughing ahead, with work is due to commence on the site next year.

Cllr Andrew Varney (Liberal Democrat, Brislington West) said: “The Labour Party may no longer be in charge in Bristol, but the mess they made is still having an impact.

“Let us not forget that it was Bristol Labour who sold the land for development and then changed their minds. Since the sale had gone through and the development was in the local plan from 2014, Bristol Labour have made local residents powerless to stop it – no matter what they wrote on their leaflets”.

Bristol Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Jos Clark (Liberal Democrat, Brislington West) said: “Brislington Meadows demonstrates how willing Bristol Labour are to be dishonest about their very own plans, and how easily they will change their tune when it comes to election time. 

“Even though local MP Kerry McCarthy has opposed this development and is now in the Labour Government, this development is still being pushed through by the Government. This only goes to show the lack of integrity Labour have and their disregard for protecting our precious green spaces.”