It’s consultation time again, and this particular ‘ over-to-you-for-comment’ is all about asking residents, businesses and performers for their views on how streets and public spaces should be used and managed in Bath and North East Somerset.
The Council is running three separate but linked consultations to understand how activities happening in one place at the same time, including trading events and street performance, could best work together for everyone.
The consultations run from today (June 30) until September 4 and cover proposals for:
- A new overarching Street Strategy setting out a clear and co-ordinated approach to ensure public spaces are safe and accessible
- A new amenities on the highway policy covering freestanding items such as tables, chairs and A-boards
- A revised street performance guide for the whole of B&NES, replacing the council’s existing rules for busking and street performance in Bath
These proposals form the first phase of the Street Strategy, which sets overall principles for well-managed streets.
People responding to the consultation can provide feedback on which activities work well, how they could be designed to safely co-exist in one place and what behaviour is expected from performers.
A future phase of consultation will explore the best way to manage events, street trading, markets, filming and events.
The strategy cannot address items on the street that are constrained by legal or planning requirements, such as fixed road signs or trees, or whether street performance should take place generally.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, said: “Businesses and buskers bring vibrancy to streets across B&NES, creating an enjoyable atmosphere and boosting local trade.
The aim of our Street Strategy is to ensure streets and public spaces remain lively while being accessible and inclusive for everyone. It supports our Cultural Development Plan, which emphasises the role culture has in bringing communities together.
“The Street Strategy would introduce consistency to what happens in public spaces and address equality issues, such as obstructive items on pavements. These three consultations are a meaningful opportunity for people most affected by street activity to shape how the policies are developed – particularly people with access needs, small businesses and performers. However, the consultation is open to everyone, and we look forward to hearing your feedback.”
Anyone who has questions about the consultation can email Street_Strategy@bathnes.gov.uk
NB. Well, that all started by being an interesting idea.. However, the whole thing didn’t seem to amount to much. Bearing in mind the things it was not about. Like planting more trees, limiting cafe spread, getting empty waste sacks off the railing and watching those A boards!
I was going to suggest things like auditioning buskers, as some are certainly not as good as others. Also being able to turn the volume down from time to time.
Oh, and how all this outdoor catering is not only blocking narrow passageways but encouraging more gull activity.
Do tell me what you would like to comment upon.
Why are our streets infested with weeds.?
The anre around the Assembly Rooms and the Circus is a disgrace. The Council is happy to take money off tourists but seemingly oblivious to the need to maintain the proper appearance of a World Heritage site – a designation which it could easily and justifiably lose given the generally unkempt aspect of Bath’s streets.
The Council’s form on “public Consultations” is and always has been you can say what you want but we have already decided what is going to happen in our private meetings with donors, lobby groups and friends but by saying we’re having “consultations” we are meeting the requirements of local government policy. We “consult” and then we do what has already been agreed with activists with agendas. Long live the Lycra Lads who have captured the roads of Bath. Roll on 2027.