Issue - meetings

This report provides the Panel with an update on the public consultation on the potential sites for a new Park & Ride to the east of Bath.

The Chair invited Peter Dawson – Group Manager Planning Policy and Transport to introduce the report. The officer stated that he has been asked to carry out public consultation on 3 schemes. He stated that this is in line with the Council’s policy for the last 15 years. He will publish the Mott McDonald report as soon as possible and is also happy to circulate Mr Baker’s work (Item 6). He concluded that all of this information would inform the Cabinet’s decision in November 2015.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Appleyard (Lambridge Ward) stated that the meadows proposal has been met with huge resistance locally and people see a rail and ride scheme as a viable solution. He spoke about the scheme put forward by Mr Baker (Item 6) and stated that there should be a 4^th consultation option.

Councillor Hale asked the officer about the timescales of the schemes. The officer replied that it is envisaged that each of the three schemes would take 3-4 years. Regarding the option put forward by Mr Baker, parliamentary powers would have to be sought to get consent to move the railway line and build a multi-story car park. He explained that this level of consent could take a long time.

Councillor Carr asked if the public are aware of other options. The officer explained that yes, alternative options are shown in the appendix to the report.

Councillor Kew stated that 2 of the 3 sites are in public ownership and asked

If there had been any discussions with the owners. The officer explained that they are considering their position, there have been conversations.

Councillor Butters stated that the Council should go the extra mile and get the right solution and not just the fastest solution.

Councillor Appleyard stated that a car park should not be put on the meadows especially after the bypass had already been built in the area.

After some further discussion, it was Resolved that:

·  The Panel note the progress made on this work; and

·  If the financial aspects of considering site H can be equated with the other sites then site H should be considered as a site for a Park and Ride to the East of Bath.