Decision details

The report considers the next steps for the future of the B&NES Visitor Accommodation Strategy. Both the Visitor Accommodation Study, and the strategy arising from it, have been taken into account in the preparation of the Core Strategy and the Economic Strategy.  However, the Council has the option to adopt the B&NES Visitor Accommodation Strategy as Council policy

(1) To PUBLISH the Visitor Accommodation Strategy for consultation; and

(2) To ASK the Divisional Director Tourism Leisure and Culture to arrange that the results of the public consultation, along with any suggested amendments arising, are reported to a future Cabinet meeting, with options for adoption as Council Policy.

The strategy should be published for consultation in order to ascertain public views before it is considered for adoption. Clarity is needed so that the council has a clear policy when considering applications for hotels and guest house development.  This can only be achieved by adopting the policy.

The Strategy could be adopted without consultation but this is contrary to the Council’s inclusive way of working