• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Thursday March 13 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol Zoo housing developer reports record turnover of £106 million

The independent developer which wants to build nearly 200 houses on the former site of Bristol Zoo in Clifton has recorded a record turnover of £106 million for the financial year ending September 2023.

And its managing director has welcomed reform of the planning system, which allows “highly politicised NIMBY-driven planning committees” to “severely restrict the industry’s ability to deliver much-needed homes.”

Acorn Property Group, which has offices in Bristol, Exeter, Cornwall, Cardiff, and London, has also reported a robust pipeline of new development sites, which will see the company construct 1,800 homes across the region.

Now in its thirtieth year, the company says it expects 2025 to be a pivotal year, with a number of delayed planning permissions anticipated to be granted, unlocking further development opportunities.

Acorn’s executive group managing director, Melanie Omirou, said: “We are now emerging from a particularly challenging period, and while we anticipate a temporary dip in turnover next year due to the limited site acquisitions during the Covid-19 pandemic, we remain confident in our long-term growth.

“We project turnover to rise to over £200 million per annum within the next two years, with sustained expansion beyond that.

“I am also pleased to report that our 2022 restructuring plan, designed to ensure sustainable and secure growth, is progressing well.”

The company added that it welcomed the Labour government’s changes to the UK planning system aimed at streamlining the approval process.

“Over the past few years, planning applications have taken at least two years to process, with many stretching to five years, a timeframe that is simply unsustainable,” said Melanie.

“The planning system is overwhelmed, weighed down by excessive administrative burdens and obstructed by highly politicised NIMBY-driven planning committees. This has severely restricted the industry’s ability to deliver much-needed homes.

“We are encouraged by the prospect of meaningful reform and investment in the planning system, which we hope will accelerate project approvals and facilitate greater housing delivery.”