Council falls short of 'meanwhile sites' target

The number of temporary pitches available for people living in vehicles will fall far short of the "ambitious target" originally set out by a council.

Bristol City Council is creating so-called meanwhile sites on derelict land earmarked for development, as it tries to find alternatives for van-dwellers living on kerbsides.

Last year, the authority set a goal to deliver 250 pitches by April 2026. But after a new site opens in Lockleaze next month, the total number of spaces will be just 98, with a new goal of 160 by the summer.

The council blames the shortfall on a lack of "suitable land", as each site requires public consultation, utilities planning, assessments and community engagement.

There are more than 600 people living in vehicles around Bristol, and while the council cannot stop people living in vehicles, it can try to regulate where they park.

Meanwhile sites play a role in offering security, access to basic amenities and a sense of stability for residents who have often spent long periods living roadside.

Councillor Barry Parsons, chair of the homes and housing delivery committee, says four new potential meanwhile sites have now gone into planning, with another two to be submitted shortly.

He said the initial target set was "intentionally ambitious" and helped "accelerate" the council's search for suitable locations.

Parsons added: "As we approach April, it has become clear that we will not reach the original 250 pitch target by this deadline.

"Anyone who knows Bristol knows how tight our land supply is. Meanwhile sites need to be in locations that are safe, accessible, and compatible with long‑term plans for the city."

But Councillor Tom Renhard, leader of Bristol's Labour group, said the failure to reach target represented "yet another broken promise" from the ruling Green Party.

"They haven't just missed their target; they have failed to even get out the starting blocks and are now trying to shorten the racetrack," he said.

"On top of this, users of meanwhile sites will also have to pay council tax, making it less likely pitches will be used at all. The 'new approach' has so far been an abject failure.

"The Bristol Green Party need to get a grip of this issue, ensuring appropriate support for those living in vehicles alongside a thought through and credible plan to get appropriate sites in place with the consent of local communities."

Parsons said the revised targets of 160 pitches by the summer were still "ambitious, but they're realistic".

"While the journey has not been straightforward, we remain committed to supporting people living in vehicles, reducing roadside encampments, and creating compassionate, practical alternatives that benefit both vehicle dwellers and local communities," he added.

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