Purpose

Note: This decision is subject to call in. The deadline for escalation is Friday 12 June 2026.
The Homes and Housing Delivery committee on 19 December 2025 considered the report ‘Responding to people living in vehicles 2026 – 2031.
The committee:
1.Approved the policy for Responding to people living in vehicles 2026 – 2031 at appendix A1.
2.Authorised the Executive Director Growth and Regeneration and the Executive Director Housing in consultation with the Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee to take all steps required to implement the policy including any transitional arrangements and (subject to full council approval of the budget in February 2026), spend up to the budget envelope set out in the report including procuring and awarding contracts which may be over the key decision threshold.
3.Noted that the policy will be applied from 1 January 2026; however, full implementation of the policy will apply from 1 April 2026 in line with the action plan set out in the report and appendix A2.
4.Noted the consultation report at Appendix F.
The Albatross Road site at the former Whitchurch Sports Centre, Bamfield, Bristol BS14 0ZZ is owned by Goram Homes. The land will be used on a meanwhile use basis to accommodate up to 60 vehicle dwellers. The creation of new meanwhile sites supports the delivery of Bristol City Council’s Vehicle Dweller Policy (2026–2031). The policy prioritises support first, followed by enforcement where necessary. The use of meanwhile sites underpins this approach by providing designated, managed spaces where people living in vehicles can move to, giving them access to basic services and greater stability while reducing unauthorised parking on streets and public land.

Decision

Approval to enter into a short-term lease of land at the former Whitchurch Sports Centre, Bamfield, Bristol BS14 0ZZ. To accommodate up to 60 vehicle dwellers, supporting the delivery of Bristol City Council’s Vehicle Dweller Policy (2026–2031) pursuant to the delegated authority by Homes and Housing Delivery Policy Committee 19 December 2025.
Note: This decision is subject to call in. The deadline for escalation is Friday 12 June 2026.

Alternative options considered

No alternatives where considered.