URGENT: CALL FOR A PUBLIC INQUIRY
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE!
Since the Park & Ride East scheme involves the destruction of Green Belt and is not included in Bath's Local Transport Plan, it has been referred to the Secretary of State via the Government Office South West (GOSW), who have the power to either grant BANES permission to build the P&R, or halt the application and instigate a public inquiry. We urge everyone that opposes this flawed, destructive scheme to write to GOSW and request a public inquiry. Click here for further details.
LATEST NEWS
UNESCO demand for enhanced protection of Bath’s surrounding landscape ‘urgent and timely’, says Bath Preservation Trust, 25 June 09
A huge thank you to everyone that attended the public meeting. We apologise for those of you that had to stand, but we were overwhelmed by the volume of attendance (around 250 residents according to the Bath Chronicle). We would also like to thank the speakers - Jane Brown (Bath Preservation Trust), Patrick Hutton (Bath Heritage Watchdog), Major Crombie (Bath Society), Dave Batho (Claverton Parish Council, speaking on behalf of the 5 parish councils) and the Chairman, Steve Mackerness (Bathford Parish Council). Copies of Dave Batho's presentation, sample call in letters and our contacts leaflet are available to download on the 'Object to Plans' page.
Planning Decision: May 20th 2009
On 20th May, BANES' Development Control Committee (DCC) approved the planning application to build a 1400 space park and ride facility on Bathampton Meadows. This is despite the fact that the P&R East scheme clearly does not comply with Green Belt criteria (even their own application highlights the extent of harm that it will cause and its 'minimal' impact on reducing congestion and CO2 emissions). Click here to read the Bath Heritage Watchdog's account of the meeting.
Click here to view the planning application documents & submitted letters of objection/support.
Bathampton Meadows under Threat
Public Meeting - Wed 17th June 2009
Current view of the proposed Bathampton Meadows Park & Ride Site from London Road, Batheaston
View of Bathampton Meadows with BANES' Proposed Park & Ride
N.B. The image of a P&R above is the Newbridge P&R superimposed on the Bathampton Meadows. The site is in the bottom of the valley, visible from all surrounding villages and approaches to Bath; trees and bushes will not screen it from these elevated viewpoints!
Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES) propose building a Park and Ride facility on Bathampton Meadows, adjacent to Mill Lane, around 100 yds from Bathampton Church and The George Public House (see Location Plan).
Bathampton Meadows characterise the Bath Valley and contribute to the identity of Batheaston, Bathampton and the eastern fringes of Bath by preventing the area from becoming one continuous urban sprawl. The beautiful approach to Bath is as important to the character of the city as any of the attractions that are within the World Heritage Site.
Loss of this important green space would be sad for any reason. However, it would be unforgivable if this space was lost as a result of the mistaken belief that a car park on the Meadows will solve Bath's congestion problems. It won't... But it will transform the ancient Meadows. Forever.
Aerial view of Bathampton Meadows P&R site
Sign our Petition
Please spare a moment to sign our petition. Every name makes a difference and the growing opposition to the scheme impossible to ignore.
Click here to open the petition.
Why BANES’ plans to build a P&R on Bathampton Meadows will not reduce traffic congestion in Bath
Traffic data collected from 1986-2001 indicated that London Road has operated at full capacity for a long time. When a road is used at full capacity, measures to reduce traffic volume are countered by other traffic taking its place (known as ’suppressed demand’). This traffic is currently using less desirable routes (e.g. the Mill Lane toll bridge and longer routes that avoid the city centre) or avoiding peak hours by travelling at less desirable times. This traffic will more than fill the negligible capacity created on the London Road by providing a P&R. Additionally, P&R facilities are often used by people who previously made whole journeys by public transport but choose to ‘drive, park and ride’ (taking advantage of the low cost P&R services in comparison to regular bus services). The solution is self-defeating.
Click here to read more about BANES' short-sighted strategy for tackling Bath's congestion and our alternative, sustainable solutions.
Links: Response 2 Route
Visit their website: www.response2route.co.uk
BATH PARK & RIDE EAST BATHAMPTON MEADOWS UNDER THREAT
