Ambitious Plans for Eco and Community Housing in Bristol

Bridge Farm, once a landmark building in Stapleton village, but now in a rather sorry state, is to be restored by a local community group. And what is more, a community of self-built affordable eco homes is planned to spring up alongside it.

The driving force behind the ambitious project is Ashley Vale Action Group, or AVAG, the team of self-builders and eco pioneers who built the Yard in St Werburgh’s. When the opportunity came along to buy Bridge Farm and 4 acres of land in 2018, the group jumped at the chance.

“We just fell in love with it” said Jackson Moulding, one of the directors of AVAG. “The Farmhouse is gorgeous, it has wonderful Georgian lines, it’s got real grandeur about it. It was a really imposing presence on the hillside above the river Frome when it was built in the 1730s. It’s looking tatty now, but we can’t wait to get stuck into the repairs and bring it back to its former glory.”

The farmhouse is a familiar landmark, as it stands on Bell Hill which you see on your left as you leave Bristol on the M32. But there is much more to Bridge Farm. “We’re also really excited about the farm courtyard – lots of old stone, with lots of potential” continues Jackson. “We’ll need planning permission and listed building consent, but we’ve got some great ideas to turn this courtyard into the bustling heart of the community. We hope to have workshops in what were cow stalls, a café with its own bakery, a couple of live/work units in the taller barns, and a farm shop where local produce can be bought.”

“It’s really important to AVAG and everyone involved in the project that we respect the heritage of Bridge Farm, while re-purposing it for the future. Since we bought the farm we have been growing on the land. There’s a gang of volunteers, called the Bridge Farmily, who are really committed.”

Across the slope beside the farmhouse, AVAG is planning a variety of new build units, ranging from 1 bed flats to 3 bed houses, clustered around a large central green space and community building. A planning application is due to be submitted in August. Car parking will be limited and will cleverly be tucked away behind the community building. “When we visited Springhill Co-housing in Stroud we particularly liked that cars did not dominate” said Jenny Heyer, one of the Bridge Farm volunteers. “So, Bridge Farm is designed for people to walk, or cycle, or get the bus. Footpaths and green areas interconnect the houses rather than tarmac. This will create a space that is peaceful and safe.”

The community building will include shared facilities such as a laundry and a play space for kids, a kitchen and a large dining area where residents can all eat together once a week. “The act of cooking and eating together really helps create a strong community. And community work days, where everyone helps each other out. There’s no shortage of work at Bridge Farm!” laughs Jenny. “Coronavirus has brought our monthly work days to an end for now, but it really underlines how important, strong, healthy communities are.”

For the moment, the hillside is thickly covered with brambles and deep grass. But AVAG’s vision is that soon it will be a hive of self-build activity. “We want to make self-build affordable, and accessible to everyone,” says Jackson. “We know from our own experience at the Yard how fulfilling it is to build your own home – especially when your mates pitch in to help.”

AVAG’s vision is for each home to be built as sustainably as possible, south facing for solar gain and super insulated. Many of them will be terraced, to save both money and heat. As befits an old farm, lots of green space will be preserved for wildlife corridors, growing fruit and vegetables, gardens, and recreation areas.

“We’re still developing our plans for the site and are looking for people to get involved. Volunteers have organised themselves into working groups, focussing on issues like affordability, growing space and sustainable building materials. Bridge Farm isn’t just community led housing – its community designed and built as well.”