1. TRANSPORT
The Transport group's report is attached.
2. LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS/LTA'S
September appears to be a crucial month in the roll-out of these, when council officers are supposed to begin consulting with local residents in the areas that are first in line for these. I am aware that a number of RA's are intending to "walk" their areas with the council officers in order to make them better aware of the local issues/needs and to hear what options are in reality available.
3. PLANNING
The Planning Group's report is attached.
4. BATH AREA FORUM
The first meeting of this was held last week and a number of us attended it. The replaces the Bath City Forum. It seems to be the result of some recognition on the part of the Council that citizens of Bath suffer from a serious democratic deficit because we do not have a City Council nor are we parished, unlike every other community within BANES. However, the Forum is not a recognised stakeholder and will have no formal powers or funds. Its power is supposed to be its ability to persuade or cajole the Council or Council officers. I will have more to say about this at our meeting. In the meantime I attach copies of the summary of the meeting circulated by Mark Hayward of BANES last week and the invitation to the meeting on Wednesday 8 September.
5. MILSOM QUARTER MASTERPLAN
A number of us attended a presentation given by consultants instructed by the Council in July to try to provide solutions for the collapse of retail in this area of the city. I will report further about this at our meeting.
6. ENTRY HILL
Katina Beckett will update us on latest developments.
7. TUFA FIELD
We will be updated regarding recent developments.
8. 2020/2021
An unexpected year, indeed. Nevertheless, we as an organisation have coped well with the vicissitudes of Covid. We have continued to make our voices heard on issues of concern to residents and our city, forcefully as necessary, and have welcomed a significant number of new members, extending our reach across our city.
Looking forward, I expect the next year to be particularly challenging with the continued roll-out of LTN's, the imposition of the ring of steel, the continued hollowing-out of retail and of course, planning-related issues.
9. AOB
Justin Draeger
6/09/2021