A new 15 million cycling facility in Bristol has received planning permission, but there has been vocal resistance from local residents who say the project risks limiting access while removing community green space. The proposed Bristol Regional Cycling Hub will be built in Lawrence Weston and is set to include a 1km closed-road circuit, a learn-to-ride area for beginners, a main building, car parking and improved links to existing cycling routes. Around 50 residents from the area have submitted objections to the scheme, sharing concerns that the facility would only be accessible to paying users, while increasing traffic in the area and reducing publicly available green space. Mark Pepper, chair of the Lawrence Weston Planning Forum, was among those critical of the development, describing it as a poorly thought-out [and] expensive-to-access council vanity project. A visualisation of the proposed Bristol Regional Cycling Hub. Bristol City Council The criticism appears to reflect a broader tension evident in cycling infrastructure projects. However, despite the objections, the plans have been given the green light by Bristol City Council. Ed Plowden, chair of the councils transport and connectivity committee, acknowledged the concerns and said efforts would be made to address them once funding is secured. That could include key sticking points raised during the consultation phase, such as clarifying access arrangements, ensuring community use is protected and mitigating traffic impact. The hub is intended to serve as a major regional cycling destination, supporting everything from grassroots participation to competitive riding. The site will host a dedicated circuit and training areas that could position Bristol as a stronger player in UK cycling development, alongside cities such as Manchester. The Bristol Regional Cycling Hub project has divided opinion in the city. Bristol City Council However, the decision to enclose the site with fencing and surveillance has added to perceptions among some locals that the space will not feel fully public or accessible. Purpose-built cycling hubs have become increasingly common across the UK, often backed by significant public investment. When successful, they can drive participation, improve safety for new riders and create pathways into racing and club cycling. But as this case shows, balancing those benefits with local accessibility and community integration remains a challenge. Whether Bristols new hub becomes a valued local asset or continues to divide opinion may depend on how effectively those concerns are addressed.