Last week, the Conservative Cabinet running B&NES Council approved recommendations which, if implemented, will lead to a park and ride being built on Bathampton Meadows, though local Lib Dems say it’s not the end of the story.
The Council say a new Park & Ride to the east of Bath is key to wider plans to improve local transport, tackle congestion and support the continued growth of the city and local economy.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet selected their chosen location, site B (land west of Mill Lane) last Wednesday evening.
Councillor Alison Millar (Bathavon North) commented: “It beggars belief that the Cabinet could listen to all the arguments put forward by residents, experts and Councillors and still vote in favour of these recommendations. Really, I struggle for words to fully express my disappointment and incredulity.”
“This decision, however, is not the end of the story. Opposition is organised, determined and persistent. There will be hurdles raised at every stage. In the next few days, we will be organising a ‘call in’ of the Cabinet decision.
“This will allow for scrutiny of the facts on which it was based and is one of the few powers of challenge open to opposition Councillors.”
“The Cabinet will have to get their scheme through the planning process; they also have to develop a business case, secure funding and get their budgets approved.
“Throughout all of this, the threat of multiple, expensive judicial reviews will be hanging over their heads.”
Councillor Dine Romero (Southdown), Leader of the Lib Dem Group, added: “Following this vote, we will be fighting for transparency; to ensure that Council decisions are not taken behind closed doors and that the Cabinet can be properly held to account.”
