Word is that the application to increase capacity at Bath Rugby Club’s ground at the Rec is likely to be discussed at this month’s B&NES planning committee meeting on September 17th.
I will leave you to guess what the planner’s recommendation will be on that one!
I can imagine this is an application that will not have a bump-free ride.
Meanwhile, so much protest organising is done these days via social media. I see a group of people concerned about the rapid decline of the pond in Royal Victoria Park are holding ‘an apolitical rally’ On Sunday, September 21st at midday.
I assume the banner-waving location will be the pond itself.
It’s my understanding that the water supply used to come from springs in the area and was carried through the park by very old spring mains which seem to be no longer fit for purpose as they are old, structurally unsound and damaged. These pipes appear to be the responsibility of B&NES Council.
It appears that signage put in place by B&NES stating “the original feed was disconnected by Wessex Water” is incorrect. The loss of supply is due not only to the old spring mains but also to changes in the natural springs in the area. This signage is due to be changed.
I also understand that, as a gesture of goodwill, Wessex Water has been working with B&NES to help find a way forward, but has established that the availability of spring water in the area is uncertain, especially during the summer.
This does not support a significant investment to replace the spring mains, as there is no absolute guarantee of a sustained supply for the ponds. On that basis, alternative solutions are being evaluated and Wessex have said they will continue to support BANES in this process.
A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “While the pond’s water supply has never come from our network, we appreciate its importance to residents and wildlife and we’re committed to continuing to support B&NES Council in finding a solution.”
If you’ve been walking around the Royal Crescent of late, you will have seen that two of the ornate lamposts are surrounded by scaffolding and are in the process of being cleaned and repainted.
I am hearing three of them will be completed before the week of the Jane Austen Festival, which runs from September 12th to Sunday, the 21st of September the others dealt with afterwards.
If you are fans of the amazing Promenade – or indeed taking part in it on Saturday, September 13th – don’t forget there is a different starting point this year. It will leave from the Royal Crescent lawns and make its way down through to Parade Gardens.
I have published the route here. Our hundreds of Regency-dressed promenaders will start their way at 11 am that day.
Finally, Avon Fire Service’s plans to demolish its existing station and occupy a temporary site further down the Lower Bristol Road until a new, more ‘fit for purpose’ replacement is built, have presented B&NES with two planning applications to consider.
According to Wikipedia: “Design work ( on the current building) commenced in 1937 by architect Alfred J. Taylor, but following his death in 1938, the bulk of the design was carried out by his daughter, Molly Taylor, in the Art Deco style. The fire station, which opened in July 1939, has been cited as a rare surviving example of a building designed by a woman in that era.”
I am hearing quite a few people think that’s a good enough reason to keep the building. Well, l can confirm that English Heritage are now involved.
A spokesperson told me: “We can confirm that Historic England has received an application for listing for Bath Fire Station and it is currently under consideration.”
