Public Consultations 2020-2021

As part of a five year cycle to review the Local Plan, the Local Plan Partial Update proposed targeted revisions to address urgent issues such as the Climate Emergency and Ecological Emergency, a need to update and replenish housing supply to meet the target requirement up to 2029, and the review of specific policies including transport, HMOs, and student accommodation. As part of the update, two new Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) have been released alongside the Local Plan to provide additional guidance and support existing policy on HMOs and transport. B&NES’ existing SPDs on Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Guidance For Listed Buildings, and Sustainable Construction and Retrofit, have been merged into one cohesive SPD covering available retrofit options to encourage homeowners to reduce their own carbon emissions and improve the efficiency of Bath’s housing stock.

You can read our final response here.

Concept design proposals were presented at a webinar on 27th May for Phase One of the Bath River Line project, focusing on the western section of the River Line (between Newbridge and Green Park). Other sections of the River Line will be taken forward as part of later phases of the project. The scheme proposes the creation of a new 10km linear riverside park through Bath, creating a high-quality route for walking and cycling whilst also improving biodiversity and creating a series of ‘destinations’ along the river.

You can read our final response here.

The government has consulted on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Changes set out a greater emphasis on beauty and local distinctiveness and calls for poorly designed developments to be refused. Other amendments include greater reference to flood risk and climate change and the strengthening of policy wording for the use of Article 4 directions to restrict Permitted Development rights, in light of ongoing national changes to the planning system. A drafted National Model Design Code (NMDC) has also been released for consultation in tandem; this is intended to provide guidance on the creation of design codes and policies by local planning authorities with community input throughout, to inform the design and character of development proposals and the creation of sustainable and distinctive places.

You can read our final response here.

This consultation proposed amendments to particular policies following changes in circumstances and national policy and legislation since the 2014 publication of the B&NES Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan. Proposed changes included the amendment of policies to address the declared Climate and Ecological Emergency as well as the need to replenish housing supply and meet Core Strategy requirements up to 2029. Policies were reviewed with regards to specific local issues such as parking standards, student accommodation, and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

You can read our final response here.

This consultation proposed vehicle access restrictions within the city centre to address security concerns and the threat of terrorism. As part of a wider package of measures to implement permanent bus gate and access restrictions on Milsom Street and enhance the public realm of Kingsmead Square, the consultation suggested the installation of bollards throughout the city centre to enforce pedestrian use and restrict inner-city parking and vehicle access.

You can read our final response here.

As part of the government’s broad consultation on Supporting Housing Delivery and Public Service Infrastructure, this consultation proposed a new permitted development right for the change of use from Commercial, Business and Service use (Class E) to residential to create new homes. This permitted development right would also apply to conservation areas, but would be excluded from other forms of article 2(3) land such as World Heritage Sites, National Parks, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You can read our final response here.

The Planning for the Future White Paper proposed dramatic changes to the planning system, intending to streamline and modernise the planning process, bring a new focus to design and sustainability, improve the system of developer contributions to infrastructure, and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed. The proposals gave rise to serious concerns across many sectors regarding the inadvertent weakening of environmental, heritage and green space protection, loss of local democracy and community engagement, and resourcing challenges to deliver the proposed reforms within local authorities.

You can read our final response here.

The Trust responded to a consultation from B&NES Hight Street Project Manager just weeks before the installation of the proposed ‘parklets’ and cycle storage in Kingsmead Square. The proposals are part of a wider scheme for the enhanced public realm and pedestrianisation of areas of the city centre, and the provision of outdoor seating and meeting spaces to comply with social distancing regulations.

You can read our final response here.

This consultation sets out proposals for measures to improve the effectiveness of the current planning system. The four main proposals are changes to the standard method for assessing local housing need, securing of First Homes through developer contributions in the short term, the temporary lifting of the small sites threshold below which developers do not need to contribute to affordable housing, and extending the current Permission in Principle to major development.

You can read our final response here.