URGENT - NEW PLANS FOR THE LIBRARY

The Council's own Planning Application falls far short of what we would expect:

Internal Community Space. From the plan it appears that the right-hand room upstairs will be the only room available for community use. A new corridor will reduce space and take light from this room. On the plan, the left-hand room is marked "Classroom". Currently this room and the kitchen are staff areas. These plans do not indicate alternative staff space. This room, if it is not to be used by the staff, needs a flexible partition so that the two rooms can sometimes be used as one. The plan shows a permanent stud wall
Community Space. Despite its huge population, Clifton, Cliftonwood and Hotwells have no allotted community space provided by the Council for activities and events. It is vital that, as in many other city libraries, the Clifton Library be made as flexible as possible to provide much more than just a library facility.
Exhibition Space. This area desperately needs Council-provided exhibition space. This must be at street level to be effective. We feel that before passing the plans the Council must assure us that this will be available.
Outside Space. Community Safety Unit police officers from the Crime Reduction and Architectural Liaison Section have visited the site. They find that because of the High Wall, the yard is a hidden and potentially unsafe area. It is currently used by rough sleepers, as a urinal and for dumping rubbish. It should be lowered to form a safer, better-lit and less forbidding entrance. The Police believe that the Bike Racks are an invitation to bike crime in this dark and hidden area and should be situated elsewhere. We believe that the Council should take the views of the Police into account. Lowering the wall and opening up the facade to the street would also make the building more welcoming. In this open airy space we envisage creating a community garden with seats.
Disabled Access, Cleaning and Platform Lift. The plans only include these points. There appears to be no thought given to future use of the Library as a whole. We believe that there should be public consultation before the plan is approved.
If you agree, please write by 21 NOVEMBER to the Planning Department, Brunei House, St George's Road, BS1 5UY or email north.planning@bristol.gov.uk quoting Planning Applications 07/04551/FB and 07/04556/LA.