Councillors at Bath’s Guildhall were met with angry protestors holding placards last Thursday evening, as they met to discuss Conservative plans for a new Park and Ride to the east of Bath. Those against the plans are trying to protect Bathampton Meadows, which has been put forward as a potential site, with protestors receiving the backing of MP for North East Somerset, Jacob Rees-Mogg.
The meeting, which closed at midnight, saw over eighty local people speak. Councillors agreed to work together on options for a Park and Ride to the east of Bath, as part of a series of measures designed to alleviate congestion in the city. They also voted to approve a number of additional measures, including starting work on a full business case for an eastern bypass, investigating the prospect of creating a Low Emission Zone alongside the delivery of the Park and Ride and to look into the potential of providing a shuttle bus service from the new Park and Ride to the Royal United Hospital.
Following the meeting, B&NES Conservative Leader, Councillor Tim Warren, said: “The recent consultation showed that there are clearly strong views on both sides of the debate over this issue. Whilst a clear majority of residents from Bath
supported the proposals for a Park and Ride, residents of the villages to the east of the city understandably have greater concerns about the plans.
“We have taken on board the concerns that have been raised and have therefore asked that a cross-party group of Councillors review the various site options before a preferred site is selected, taking account of both the feasibility of each site and the results of the consultation.
“Once this process has been undertaken, we hope to be in a position to select a preferred site early next year.”
At the meeting, Conservatives were urged to rethink plans and come up with something that is innovative, sustainable and ecological. Residents opposed say green space could be spoilt forever with up to 1,400 car spaces provided on fields. Those in favour of the plans argue that the city desperately needs a solution to relieve congestion.
More than 4,000 people completed the Council’s survey, one of the highest
response rates ever received. It found that 51.5% of B&NES residents were in favour and 48.5% were against the proposal to build a Park and Ride to the east of Bath. 66.2% of city respondents were in favour and 74.8% of Bathavon North
respondents were against. When including those from outside B&NES, the result was close, with 49% in support and 51% opposed. Of the three sites suggested for the Park and Ride, 54% chose site B, west of Mill Lane, 31% identified site A, east of A4/A46 junction and 15% chose site F, east of Mill Lane.
Speaking last week, Bathavon North Councillor, Alison Millar, added: “I was overwhelmed by the passion and knowledge of the local residents who came to speak at the full Council meeting. The Conservatives can be under no illusions as to the strength of local feeling.
“Whilst the Meadows are still not safe and the Conservatives refused to rule them out as a Park and Ride site, I am hopeful that the review processes will give us the chance to convince them that the Meadows are the wrong site. There is still a chance of coming up with the right solution, as opposed to forcing a huge car park on to the Meadows for very little benefit.
“They need to allow enough time for this review to take place properly and independently, if possible, harnessing some of the many ideas put forward by the residents who spoke at the meeting and from the hundreds of people who took the time to write in.”