Issue - meetings

The Council is a statutory consultee for Local Plan consultations and is a Minerals Planning Authority.  In view of continuing concerns over exploration and extraction of energy minerals and any potential impact on the Bath Hot Springs, it is considered a formal response to this consultation is necessary to ensure the interests are properly reflected and addressed in the Somerset Minerals Plan.

Councillor David Martin in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 20 and on the Council's website] welcomed the Cabinet’s response to the Somerset consultation.  He expressed unease about unproven and potentially high risk processes, and the potential for damage to the deep water sources supplying the hot springs in Bath.

George Bailey had registered to speak but had not been able to stay for the item.  He had however submitted his statement.  The Chair instructed that the submission be treated as having been tabled at the meeting [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 24 and on the Council's website].

Councillor Charles Gerrish in an ad hoc statement said that he too was concerned about the impact of the Somerset proposals.  He felt that the onus should be on the applicant to prove that there would be no impact on the hot springs before being allowed to proceed.  He agreed wholeheartedly with the proposed response.

Councillor Tim Ball thanked the previous contributors for their support.  He confirmed that Cabinet would strongly resist the Somerset proposals.  The hot springs were the economic life blood of the city and must be protected.  He moved the recommendations as published.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.  He welcomed the cautious approach being taken and shared the continuing concern expressed by many.

Councillor Cherry Beath agreed with the points made by the previous contributors and emphasised the protecting the hot springs was critical for the economic wellbeing of the whole area.

On a motion from Councillor Tim Ball, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that the assessment forms the basis of the response to the consultation on the Minerals Plan Preferred Options Paper to be forwarded to Somerset County Council to inform the preparation of Somerset County Council’s Pre-submission Minerals Plan.