Further changes to MoD site housing plans

MoD site entrance

The developers of the former MoD site at Warminster Road have submitted a number of further amendments to their original plans.

They are now proposing to build a total of 206 dwellings in a mixture of different types and styles of houses and flats. There are also revised landscape and play area schemes, and there will be provision of 40% affordable housing on the site. An area is also allocated for educational purposes for an enlarged school site adjacent to Bathwick St Mary Primary School. Details of the amended application can be seen on the Council’s planning webpages, and the public is invited to make their further comments and observations on the plans. Access the website by clicking planning, and use the reference number 14/02272/EFUL. A decision from the Council about the application is due in the coming weeks.

More new bus shelters

Claverton Down bus shelter

More brand new bus shelters have been installed in Bathwick, from Claverton Down to Cleveland Walk. The shelters were designed especially for the city, and have been delivered in the Bath Transport Package.

The shelter on Claverton Down Road replaces an older, more exposed shelter. The shelter at the junction of Bathwick Hill and Claveland Walk is a brand new facility, affording potential passengers rest and a roof. Both are ready for ‘real-time’ information screens when this is available on the route.

The Liberal Democrat led BathNES Council has delivered the Bath Transport Package, including expansions to all three Park & Ride sites and ten showcase bus routes across the city.

Roundabout sunflower to remain to 2016

roundabout sunflower

The sunflower sculpture on the Bathwick Hill roundabout will remain in place for another two years.

BathNES Council Parks Department commissioned Iron Art to produce the sculpture as part of Bath’s entry for Britain in Bloom. The 2014 awards mark the fiftieth anniversary of the awards, first won by Bath in 1964 and a dozen times since. This year Bath won the South-West in Bloom competition, and was again awarded Best Small City in the national rankings.

Over the next two years the council Parks Department will continue to install new planting schemes around the sculpture. The sunflower was designed and built in Bath; it is 4.7m tall, 4.5m wide, and weighs 750kg.

Muddy path set for improvements next month

Cllrs Symonds, Martin and Coombes on AQ78

The muddy path between Combe Down and Claverton Down is set to be surfaced in November.

A stone path with be laid to 3m wide along the full length of the route. The work is expected to take four weeks.

“This is a great result,” said local Liberal Democrat councillor Nicholas Coombes, “we have been campaigning for improvements to this path for many years. I know that many local residents, students, walkers and cyclists will be very pleased with these works.”

Sydney Gardens railway plans

Sydney Gardens railway line

Network Rail’s plans for the Great Western electrification through Sydney Gardens are becoming clearer.

The track will be lowered so that the electricity supply can be fitted under the bridges, which are listed structures. There will also be special designs for the cables and supports. For a period of six weeks in summer 2015, there will be a rolling programme of train service changes whilst the construction work is carried out.

Your Lib Dem Councillors are keeping in close liaison with Network Rail. Cllr David Martin said “we have provided comments on the plans and asked for some on-going repairs to the railway infrastructure as part of the programme”.

Soldier Down Lane named

Soldier Down Lane

A short lane leading into the university campus at the top of Bathwick Hill has been formally named “Soldier Down Lane”.

Local historians have identified a connection with the battle of Lansdown during the Civil War. There is evidence that the lane was used by the Parliamentarian forces during and after the battle when they were camped on Claverton Down.

New bus stop planned for Bathwick Hill

St Patrick's Court bus stop site

A new bus stop is planned for St Patrick’s Court on Bathwick Hill. The stop will benefit local residents travelling in to town.

The stop will be part of the Bath Transport Package of improvements to public transport across the city, delivered by Liberal Democrats on BathNES Council. Your local councillors have pressed the council to create the new stop after speaking with local residents.

Many elderly residents living in and around St Ann’s Way want to travel to the city centre by bus, but struggle to use the existing bus stops. The nearest downhill stops are at Raby Place, some distance away, or opposite Cleveland Walk, up a steep part of Bathwick Hill. Provision of a stop in this location will correct the current imbalance, as there are currently more stops on the other side of the road. It also reduces a long gap between stops in this location.

A bus shelter is planned with real time bus service information. The shelter will be in front of St Patrick’s Court flats, so will not spoil any views of the hill. Some on street parking will be lost to the bus stop, but no residents’ parking will be affected.

Oakley junction improved

Oakley junction

The junction between Oakely and Claverton Down Road has been changed to improve safety.

BathNES Council undertook the works after pressure from your Liberal Democrat councillors. David Martin and Nicholas Coombes met with council officers several times to test and amend the plans.

The modifications have improved sight lines for drivers leaving the junction, in a location which has experienced several accidents and near misses in recent years.

University Open Day and start of term

Armand Edwards campus

The new academic year starts at the University of Bath on 29th September. Undergraduates will be arriving in the week leading up to the new semester, with first year students expected on the weekend of 20th and 21st September.

New students joining the university for the first time will enjoy a Freshers’ Week between 21st and 28th September. There will be a number of events to introduce the new starters to university life, the city and each other. If these cause undue disturbance, please contact the Student Community Partnership.

The University is also holding an Open Day on 13th September, which is likely to attract 10,000 sixth form students to consider studying in Bath. As ever, public transport is likely to busy and roads congested on this day.