Look at standards for some types of development and planning documents that we use to help make decisions on planning applications.
Spatial frameworks
These provide detailed guidance about the layout and design of new development in parts of Bristol:
- pdfCity Centre Framework (pdf, 19.57 MB)
- pdfBedminster Green Framework (pdf, 14.48 MB)
- Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone Spatial Framework
- Frome Gateway regeneration
- Mead Street Development Brief (PDF)
- Whitehouse Street Regeneration Framework (PDF)
Bristol Temple Quarter Development Framework
The development framework was endorsed by Bristol City Council cabinet in May 2023. You can read the full document here:
City Centre Development and Delivery Plan
- pdfCity Centre Development and Delivery Plan (DDP) Part A (pdf, 84.08 MB)
- pdfCity Centre Development and Delivery Plan (DDP) Part B (pdf, 21.71 MB)
If you have problems accessing these documents you can email CityCentreDDP@bristol.gov.uk
Supplementary planning documents (SPD)
These have extra detail on policies in the Local Plan:
- pdfPlanning obligations SPD (pdf, 1.39 MB)
- pdfA guide for designing house alterations and extensions (SPD 2) (pdf, 1.13 MB)
- pdfFuture of Redcliffe (SPD 3) (pdf, 8.36 MB)
- pdfArchaeology and Development (SPD 7) (pdf, 1.53 MB)
- pdfNelson Street (SPD 8) (pdf, 3.17 MB)
- pdfSt Pauls (SPD 10) (pdf, 2.72 MB)
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
- pdfManaging the development of houses in multiple occupation SPD (pdf, 1.64 MB)
- pdfConsultation Statement (pdf, 571 KB)
- pdfSummary of Reg. 13 Representations (pdf, 491 KB)
- pdfEvidence Paper (pdf, 1.01 MB)
Urban living
- pdfUrban Living SPD: Making successful places at higher densities (pdf, 4.66 MB)
- pdfUrban Living: Evidence base (pdf, 13.64 MB)
- xlsxUrban Living: Child yield calculator (xlsx, 31 KB)
- pdfUrban Living: Consultation statement (pdf, 8.05 MB)
University of Bristol
- pdfUniversity of Bristol Strategic Masterplan (SPD 11) (pdf, 9.74 MB)
- pdfUniversity of Bristol Appendices (SPD 11) (pdf, 19.44 MB)
- pdfUniversity of Bristol Aerial Map (SPD 11) (pdf, 474 KB)
Policy advice notes (PAN)
These have more details about parts of the Local Plan:
- Conservation area character appraisals
- pdfOff-street residential parking in conservation areas (pdf, 262 KB)
- pdfShopfront guidelines (PAN 8) (pdf, 789 KB)
- pdfResponding to local character: a design guide (PAN 15) (pdf, 609 KB)
Guidance for meeting the Local Plan
We have guidance to help you make sure your development meets the requirements of the Local Plan.
Affordable Housing
- pdfAffordable Housing practice note (pdf, 892 KB)
- pdfDelivery of Affordable Build to Rent Homes in Bristol (pdf, 326 KB)
- pdfDelivery of First Homes in Bristol (pdf, 250 KB)
Local Plan standards
Other documents
- pdfDM6: Public Houses practice note (pdf, 264 KB)
- pdfBroadband Connectivity practice note (pdf, 211 KB)
- pdfClimate change and sustainability practice note (pdf, 832 KB)
- pdfClimate change and sustainability practice note addendum (pdf, 292 KB)
- pdfFlood risk sequential test practice note (pdf, 1.63 MB)
- pdfAssessing the health impacts of development practice note (pdf, 315 KB)
- pdfWaste and recycling: collection and storage facilities (pdf, 4.07 MB)
- pdfMarketing guidelines for a change of use planning application (pdf, 36 KB)
- Travel plan guide for new developments
- pdfBristol City Council Transport Department Schedule of Fees 2023 to 2024 (pdf, 252 KB)
- Transport and highway design guidance
Public realm strategies
These have extra guidance about the design of streets and spaces in parts of Bristol:
- pdfDraft City Centre Public Realm and Movement Framework (pdf, 19.31 MB)
- pdfNelson Street Public Realm Strategy (pdf, 9.02 MB)
Bristol Tree Replacement Standard
Guidance on the Bristol Tree Replacement Standard can be found in the following documents: