Agenda item

Statements, Deputations or Petitions from Public or Councillors

Councillors and members of the public may register their intention to make a statement if they notify the subject matter of their statement before the deadline.  Statements are limited to 3 minutes each.  The speaker may then be asked by Cabinet members to answer factual questions arising out of their statement.

Minutes:

The Chair informed the meeting that there were 14 registered speakers for this meeting.

 

Note: All statements were read out after item 10 of the agenda.

 

David Redgewell read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 2 and on the Council's website] where he expressed his concerns around the transport in ex-Avon area and with the Western Gateway Transport Plan.

 

Councillor Mark Elliott addressed the Cabinet by saying that residents of Lansdown Ward would prefer not  to see change of use of Lansdown approach golf course.  Councillor Elliott added that he was aware of financial pressures the Council was under, but the site was an iconic green space in the centre of Bath and the best option would be to find a specialist golf provider to manage the site.  Councillor Elliott concluded his statement by saying that there would be a need for a proper public consultation if there was a proposal for significant change of use for this site.

 

Adam Gretton (the Chair of More Trees BANES) read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 3 and on the Council's website] where he spoke in support of Avon Wildlife Trust’s bid for Entry Hill Golf Course.

 

Robin Kerr (Chair of the Federation of Bath Residents’ Associations) read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 4 and on the Council's website] where he suggested that the criteria for marking bids should be made public, and that the final decision should be made either by the Cabinet of Full Council. 

 

Emilio Pimentel-Reid (Chairman Friends of the High Common) read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 5 and on the Council's website] where he welcomed comments from Councillor Paul Crossley that there would be no physical changes to the park, no additional allotments built and no change from the current golf activities.

 

Elizabeth Hallam addressed the Cabinet about Entry Hill Golf Course, by saying that the course was not yet out for the count.  Nearby golf courses were flourishing and the consultation was against continuing golf provision at this golf course.  The golf proposal has attached more than 1,000 signatures and the bid from local businessman should be supported.

 

Nicolette Boater read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 6 and on the Council's website] in regards of Future of Entry Hill and Approach Golf Courses agenda item.

 

Katina Beckett (Chair of the Entry Hill Community Association) read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 7 and on the Council's website] where she had a number of suggestions for the Entry Hill Golf Course.

 

Amy Coulthard (speaking as Bath resident and Director of Conservation at Avon Wildlife Trust) read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 8 and on the Council's website] where she urged the Council to make addressing the ecological and climate crisis the most important factor in determining the future of all their land holdings which would instigate a green recovery for the city.

 

Adam Reynolds (Walk Ride Bath) read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 9 and on the Council's website] where he asked the Council to ensure that any use of Entry Hill would facilitate the long term delivery of Scholars Way, by ensuring that walking and cycling routes across the grounds at the top and bottom of the site are planned and agreed before awarding any contracts.

 

Councillor Winston Duguid read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 10 and on the Council's website)where he supported the proposal to go out to tender as soon as possible and reach a decision based on the four criteria mentioned in the report in respect of Entry Hill Golf Course.

 

Patricia Ludlam (Sion Hill and Summerhill Road Residents Association) read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 11 and on the Council's website) where she said that the residents want the golf to continue on the 18-hole Approach Golf course

 

Councillor Lucy Hodge addressed the Cabinet by saying that residents of Lansdown Ward would prefer that Approach Golf Course should not change its use.  The site should be well maintained and not over commercialised.  It is an iconic site for Bath. A provision of golf as a recreational opportunity with affordable price for visitors to Bath should be supported.

 

Nicolette Boater read out a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 12 and on the Council's website] in regards of Update on Corporate Strategy Progress and Issues agenda item.