Agenda item

Councillor Paul Roper (Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development) introduced the report. He explained that the paper sets out the issues on this policy development item. The Cabinet Member asked for the Panel members views.

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

Councillor Johnson asked whether ‘zoning’ (eg Food Quarter) in Bath may impact other areas of the city. He stated that Bath is not easily quartered and asked how this will work. The Cabinet Member explained that this was not just for Bath but other towns. There will be work with the regeneration team, ‘zone’ is a buzz word.

Councillor Heijltjes stated that the paper is focused on retail and events rather than footways and highways etc. She explained that Bristol and other Council’s are developing a ‘kerbside strategy’ which is a more holistic way to look at our streets and how we use them. The Cabinet Member stated that he would pass this comment on. Councillor Heijltjes explained the ‘Lambeth Kerbside Strategy’ which sets out how the kerbside should be used for people, not just for car parking. It includes policies like EV (Electric Vehicle) charging provision and green spaces.

Councillor Box stated that she is a rural Councillor and that this strategy is more for the towns. She asked what enforcement there will be (in terms of licenses). The Cabinet Member stated that enforcement does need to be considered, there are currently 3 environmental health enforcement officers. The officer explained that since Covid, enforcement officers have been permissive to help businesses but there must be a line. Councillor Box asked that consideration be give to people with disabilities.

Councillor Collins noted that the paper gave an outline idea of the strategy. She asked that the impact on businesses be considered as there are places in Bath with vibrant mini highstreets and outside tables and chairs add to this. The Cabinet Member stated that he would pass these comments on.

Councillor Johnson agreed that there should not be anything too restrictive to allow for vibrant streets. He asked about strategies for buskers and also how enforcement would work when this is very stretched. The Cabinet Member acknowledged that there is a tension and agreed that enforcement has to be part of this. He acknowledged that enforcement is an issue in rural towns. He explained that Bath (BID)  Marshalls can be considered.

Councillor David stated that the desire to introduce more markets is a good idea especially local and neighbourhood markets. She asked about the environmental impact of the strategy eg. The effect of patio heaters. The Cabinet Member explained that the Regeneration Team are looking at the environment of the city in terms of the street scene and looking to improve urban landscapes. The issue is with the funding.

Councillor Wait stated that the strategy is for the whole of BANES. He stated that he would like to see more markets and events for Keynsham High Street and asked that the organisation of this be made as straight forward as possible eg. Road closures. He stated that High Streets are struggling so anything that encourages people to come along is good. He asked how the team will communicate with residents. The Cabinet Member explained that a cultural review is taking place which will include meetings with stakesholders and community groups. We have picked up that people feel it is difficult to arrange community events and we take that on board, but have to comply with rules on Health and Safety etc. The officer added that he working on stakeholder analysis and will talk to residents associations at different stages. He gave an example that he will be in Keynsham next week to talk about air quality.

Councillor Heijltjes stated that there is not a residents association in her ward. She asked that noise be taken into account as many places where events take place are also residential.

Councillor Box asked that Town Councils be included in terms of key stakeholders as they know the area and the issues. The Cabinet Member agreed.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officer and asked that the strategy be brought back to the Panel when it is in its later stages.