First Bus has submitted a planning application for electrification works at its Weston Island Bus Depot at Lower Bristol Road in Bath.
How the proposed changes could look | Image © Janus Architects / First Bus
The proposal includes 64 ground-mounted electric chargers and four overhead steel gantries along with electrical substations to enable the transition from diesel to electric buses.
A new power supply and electrical distribution will be required in the form of three new transformers and three feeder panel buildings.
The planning application lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council says the works will involve minimal change to the current layout.
Buses will still access the site via the bridge, travel around the depot in a clockwise direction and go through the wash building each night.
As the depot will be electrified there will be no need for fuelling so eventually the diesel tanks will be removed and the run in at night will be faster.
First Bus has carried out electrification works at other sites including the Bristol depot at Hengrove Way which is on a much larger scale.
An assessment submitted with the planning application for Weston Island says the expected noise from the proposals is below the level at which harmful impacts are likely.
The planning reference is 25/01398/FUL. The deadline for comments is 11th May.
