New designs submitted for Bath Rugby stadium
AMENDED plans have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council for the creation of a state-of-the-art stadium at The Rec, the home of Bath Rugby.
The changes, which include a new curved roof, enhanced landscaping and the redesign of the East and West Stand facades, follows feedback from the public, stakeholders and the local authority, addressing technical points identified following the submission of an initial design last year.
The new design lowers the height of the West and East Stands, with an aim to elevate the matchday experience while preserving the character of the surrounding area.
Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby, said:
“This submission is another important milestone for the club and the city.
“We’ve listened closely to the community and our stakeholders, as well as the numerous statutory consultees that are invited to comment on planning applications, and we are committed to delivering a
stadium that not only meets the needs of our fans but also respects the rich heritage of Bath.
“The amended submission showcases an exciting vision for the future, with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire community.
“We now look forward to the council bringing the proposals to
a planning committee in the New Year.”
The new stadium design includes:
• A curved roof form which reduces the height, resulting in increased views of the city and surrounding hills
• Enhanced landscaping to the river
• The redesign of East and West Stand facades
• A re-engineered and enhanced seating bowl.
The design retains much of the original planning application from 2023, including an 18,000-capacity stadium, increased community use, regeneration of the riverside and a new café/restaurant, club shop and museum for non-matchday use.
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‘Co-living studios’ proposed at business centre
Becky Feather Reporter
PLANS to pull down the Victoria Park Business Centre in Bath and build up to 272 “co-living studios” have been revealed.
BC Bath Ltd have owned the site, on the corner of Windsor Bridge Road and Upper Bristol Road, since 2007.
Apart from the modern employment units, it has been vacant for more than 20 years. The site was formerly developed as a part of the wider Bath Gas Works. The new development aims to create an alternative for younger adults to HMO (houses in multiple occupation) and shared housing provision. It will be promoted in partnership with VervLife, the largest manager of co-living accommodation in the UK.
The site has been identified by
Bath & North East Somerset Council as a development opportunity and is allocated by the council for housing.
Before a full planning application is submitted however, planning consultants PlanningSphere, acting on behalf of BC Bath Ltd, have asked the council to agree that as the scale, nature and location of the proposals are not likely to have significant effects, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) will not be required.
Although located within the Bath Air Quality Management Area, given the proposed residential use – with minimal parking and a reliance on non-car transport – a significant environmental effect would not be likely, say the consultants.
In total six parking spaces are proposed for the redevelopment, along with 301 cycle spaces. The consultants say the
redevelopment would be coordinated with “remediation and redevelopment” of the adjacent Midland Road waste depot site that is owned by the council.
They add: “However, the proposals have also been designed to be implemented on a standalone basis, utilising the existing Midland Road access on a temporary basis until such time as the adjacent depot site is
redeveloped.”
There is already planning approval for 176 new affordable and market homes at the depot and the council intends to build a replacement at Locksbrook Road – a scheme that is proving controversial.
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How the stadium could look | Image © Stadium for Bath / Bath Rugby
Some of the units at the business centre site in Bath
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Redevelopment of Bath’s fire station going ahead
BATH’S fire station on Bathwick Street is set to be demolished and replaced to modernise the city’s firefighting facilities.
While initial plans are being developed, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has said it is committed to engaging with locals to ensure the new station meets the needs of residents and the wider community.
The programme is being overseen and facilitated by a dedicated project team within the fire service and an appointed contractor, with the planning, heritage and public consultation to take place in 2025 and redevelopment to commence after that.
The plan is for the existing fire station to be demolished and during the rebuild process, Bath’s firefighters will be serving from a temporary location in the city.
Bath fire station welcomed Bath MP Wera Hobhouse for a visit in early December.
Meeting with Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton, as well as firefighters and staff members based at the station, Mrs Hobhouse was given a tour and shown firsthand the urgent need for renovation.
Patrick Hollins, Head of Estates at AF&RS, said: “Following approval from Avon Fire Authority, we’re pleased to begin work on
redeveloping Bath fire station.
“We are still in the early stages of the programme and are working closely with firefighters and staff at Bath to help inform the design proposals of the new building, making sure it supports the needs of modern-day firefighting and enhances service delivery to the area.”
“As one of the service’s oldest fire stations and based in the heart of the city, we understand the importance of having a presence at the same location and value
the input of the community.
“During the consultation, and through regular updates and events, we will keep the community informed of the project’s progress and provide the opportunity for people to share their feedback.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Luke Gazzard said: “The new fire station will help ensure we can better serve the local community, accommodate crews and modernise this part of the service.
“Adhering to our aim of making our communities safer and our service stronger, the state-of-theart facility aims to help improve response, operational efficiency and prevention work which will benefit our staff, as well as the communities we serve.”
Bath fire station is one of Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s oldest stations, built in 1938. It is crewed by wholetime and oncall firefighters, and home to Business Fire Safety Officers and support staff.
Dates revealed for this year's Christmas Market
THE dates for this year's Bath Christmas Market have been announced, following the successful conclusion of the 2024 event.
Thousands of visitors, hundreds of stallholders and community groups are being invited to return to the market from 27th November to 14th December 2025.
180 chalets showcased more than 230 traders, 80 per cent of whom are based in the South West. Forty per cent of the 80 traders signed up for the first time are based in Bath and the surrounding areas.
Speaking about the 2024 event, Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic & cultural sustainable development at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “This market has once again been a great success and received excellent feedback from local traders.
“Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this market a triumph. He continued: “We’re excited to be able to confirm the 2025 dates already – the 25th anniversary of the event – so that residents, international visitors and traders can plan your return! Keep an eye on our social media channels.”
Sandy Luck at Aldwick Estate was among the stallholders at the market.
Sandy said: “The Bath Market is so well organised and planned and gives our product fantastic exposure. We love the festive feel, the brilliant staff that organise the event and love meeting and
talking to all the visitors that come to Bath to experience this wonderful Market.’’
Daran, Vickie and The Sparkorium Family from the Sparkorium said: “This year’s market has been amazing, full of lovely people enjoying all that is Christmas.”
News in Brief
Crackdown on crime around Julian Road
Police say they are working with Curo and other agencies to “deal positively” with drug-dealing, anti-social behaviour and shop thefts in and around Julian Road. The neighbourhood team say they have worked with the housing association to successfully install new gating around an open area of the second garage block on Lampards Buildings, preventing people from loitering in that area. There are daily patrols targeting hotspot areas, regular multiagency meetings and visits with residents, while a problemsolving plan has been created to deal with the issue of thefts at the Co-op.
Newbridge Arts Trail preparations begin
Artists and makers are preparing for the next annual Newbridge Arts Trail and are inviting people to get involved. In May 2024 the trail was well attended by visitors and gave more than 30 local artists the opportunity to exhibit their works in various locations across Newbridge. As a free, family-friendly event, the trail hosts a range of art from both professional artists and amateur artists, some of who might be looking for the opportunity to exhibit for the first time. If you’re an artist who would like to participate or a member of the community that would like to help organise this year's event, you can get in touch to express an interest via newbridgeartstrail2022@ gmail.com
Long range forecast: (10th to 16th January)
Staying colder than average, with ongoing risks of ice and frost in the early hours. Some wintry showers are expected with dry and clear spells later on in the week.
Bath fire station on Bathwick Street
Controversial proposals for Bathampton farm are approved
PRIOR approval has been granted to turn an agricultural building at New Leaf Farm at Bathampton into two houses.
An application for three houses was submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council at the end of September by Steve Horler, whose husband Councillor Kevin Guy is the council’s leader.
However, the report from planning officers who granted approval just before Christmas, referred to two houses.
The council had received nine objections, among them from the two Green Party councillors who represent neighbouring Lambridge ward. Saskia Heijltjes and Joanna Wright shared concerns about the overdevelopment of what is primarily agricultural land.
The two councillors said: “The ongoing increase of housing for let on this site contributes to increased traffic on small roads, directly impacting Lambridge ward. Further, this applicant has been involved with selling land to the National Trust to protect this area for wildlife, that also sits in the flood plain.”
They added that the walking, wheeling and cycling routes are unlit and although the application states there are three bus companies operating within easy reach, the nearest bus stop is 0.8 miles away and the nearest shops are a mile away. There are already nine selfcatering cottages and apartments at New Leaf Farm, which is in the Green Belt.
Mr Horler has previously stated to the Bath Echo that New Leaf Farm is owned by his father and neither he nor Councillor Guy (Lib Dem, Bathavon North) own anything there.
The assessment report on the prior approval bid said that “the applicant maintains that the building forms part of an agricultural unit upon which
silage and haylage is produced.
“Officers note that some comments have indicated that no agricultural activity is taking place, whilst others have stated that the proposal will impact a site which is primarily agricultural land.
“No substantive evidence has been presented to the local planning authority which makes the applicant’s statement less than probable, and as such, it is considered that on balance the site and building are presently in agricultural use.”
Planning officers felt the application met the criteria for change of use and described the design as “acceptable”.
Council highways officers had said that although the site is outside the housing development boundary, “should it be considered permitted development, legislation limits the scope of the highway authority consultee comments to matters of ‘transport and highway
impacts of the development’, and there is no sustainability test identified. Given the scale and type of development proposed, it is unlikely that there would be any significant transport or highway impacts as a result of the proposal.”
As the building is close to the busy A4, the council’s environmental protection team had advised that prior to any approval there should be an initial assessment by an Institute of Acoustics member in order to determine the level of risk from a noise perspective.
The report noted: “The applicant responded, acknowledging the potential for harm and advised that they intend to utilise enhanced noise reduction measures including acoustic insulations and plasterboard, etc., as has been done in the adjacent building, in order to mitigate the noise impacts from the adjoining road. This is considered acceptable, and conditions shall be attached.”
No ecological information was submitted with the application so planning officers have attached a condition to “ensure precautionary working methods are adhered to avoid harm to any bats or birds during construction” as well as a condition requiring submission of lighting details to ensure light spill onto wildlife habitats remains below 0.5 lux. Conditions were also attached requiring the reporting of any unexpected contamination and for covered storage to be provided for at least five bikes.
Meanwhile, there are concerns about plans to replace the agricultural building with two smaller ones.
This separate application was made by Mr Horler in October and council planners are due to make a decision by 20th January.
A covering letter from Mr Horler at the time of the submission said: “An existing agricultural building at New Leaf Farm of 225m2 is being converted into housing.
“This application seeks to replace it with two smaller agricultural buildings with an identical combined footprint of 225m2 so there is no change in agricultural storage space.”
There have been more than 10 objections. One said the application should be considered alongside the prior approval request, observing: “If there is a need for agricultural buildings on this property, the existing agricultural building should be retained and the change of use application be refused.”
He added: “I object to the application on the grounds that there is sufficient agricultural buildings on the site and that any increase to the number of agricultural buildings on the site will be disproportional to the needs of the little agricultural activity that takes place at New Leaf Farm.
“It is nothing more than creeping commercial property in the Green Belt surrounding Bath.”
Another person commented: “Whilst I have no objection to agricultural building on agricultural land, given Mr Horler’s unfortunate planning history, should consent be granted, a condition should be attached that under no circumstances can any application be made in future to convert these buildings for commercial use.”
Bathampton Parish Council has objected to the plans, saying it would not be appropriate to add yet more buildings to the site.
Last year Mr Horler submitted a bid under permitted development legislation to change the use of two agricultural buildings into a hotel with up to nine bedrooms, but he later withdrew it.
Mr Horler was invited to provide a comment, but nothing had been received at the time of going to press.
Panto stars visit Children’s Ward at Royal United Hospital
STARS from this year’s pantomime at the Theatre Royal Bath met young patients during a special visit to the Children’s Ward at the RUH.
Some of the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs met the youngsters and their families at the hospital when they visited in their colourful stage costumes on Wednesday 18th December.
Olivia Birchenough (Snow White), actor and comedian Jon Monie (Muddles), EastEnders’ Nick Wilton (Dame Dilly Donut), George Olney (Prince Frederick), Emma Norman (Queen Grimelda), Willie Coppen (Stroppy) and Denise Coppen (Disney) spent time chatting to patients and staff before returning to the stage for their matinee performance.
Children’s television presenter Olivia said: “We loved taking some pantomime fun to the Children’s Ward in our bright
stage costumes.
“It’s an especially difficult time of year to be unwell, and the staff do such a brilliant job looking after young patients and supporting their families too.
“Everyone gave us a really warm welcome and some of the children told us they’re looking forward to seeing the panto later in the run.”
Husband and wife, Denise and Willie Coppen added: “We were really happy to visit the Children’s Ward because as parents we have first-hand experience of having a poorly baby in hospital at Christmas time.
“It’s so important to show the children and parents that other people care”.
Jo Powell, RUH Play Specialist, said: “It was wonderful to have the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs visit the Children’s Ward. They were great fun and the children and young people loved seeing them in their brilliant costumes. It was the perfect early
Pantomime cast members with Children’s Ward staff at Bath’s Royal United Hospital | Photo © Theatre Royal Bath
The entrance to New Leaf Farm in Bathampton
Julian House becomes new charity partner
LOCAL charity Julian House has been announced as Bath Building Society’s charity partner for 2025, after being chosen by members.
The team at the building society were asked to nominate a charity close to their heart, who they believe do great work in the community and would like to see receiving support for the coming year.
Bath Building Society members voted for a shortlist of three local charities and the winner was Julian House.
Julian House supports vulnerable and at-risk individuals across Bath and the wider area. These include adults and young people experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic abuse, adults with learning difficulties and people who need support after leaving prison.
Helen Bedser, CEO of Julian House, said: “We are thrilled to be named Bath Building Society’s Charity Partner of the Year for 2025.
“This partnership is an opportunity to work together to create lasting change and support the most vulnerable people in our community.
“Support like this is not just a lifeline for charities like Julian House but a beacon of hope for
Helen Bedser | Photo © Julian House
the individuals and families we serve. It ensures that we can continue offering services that provide safety, support, and opportunities to rebuild lives.
“A heartfelt thank you to Bath Building Society for your generosity and belief in our mission.
“We are particularly excited about the fundraising opportunities and the chance to involve your employees in volunteering experiences that will make a difference in our community.”
Richard Ingle, CEO of Bath Building Society, added: “This year we included our members in the voting process, and we are delighted with the results.
“Julian House is an amazing charity that has a far-reaching presence throughout the south west and we are looking forward to supporting them through our colleague volunteering, promoting them to our members and fundraising.”
Change of use being proposed for historic pub on London Road
Becky Feather Reporter
PLANS to change the use of a historic Bath pub which has been standing empty for two years have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The application has been lodged by Saraj Property Limited for Chapter One brewpub at 1a Piccadilly Place.
The property is on London Road at the junction with Hanover Street.
The proposals, which seek listed building consent, involve changing the use of part of the ground floor from a pub to commercial use and a one-bed flat, and converting the first floor three-bed apartment into a fourbed house in multiple occupation (HMO) for eight people.
Chapter One closed on New Year’s Eve 2022 after trading for more than six years.
It is understood that the Grade II listed building dates from around 1796 and historically was The Hanover Hotel before later becoming The Britannia pub. The application proposes a “viable new use” for the building and notes that for a variety of reasons, it does not have
a “credible or economically sustainable future” as a pub.
Those reasons include its condition, the facilities it’s capable of offering as there is no outside space or commercial kitchen, the absence of any records of past trade history, external factors impacting on the trade performance of local community pubs, and the scale and nature of local competition.
The scheme will retain 85.5 square metres of commercial use which it is said will maintain a “vibrant” street frontage. Regarding the proposed HMO accommodation, the application states that criteria checks found there would be no ‘sandwiching’ of a residential property by HMOs and the ‘concentration test’ is also
met as HMO properties within a 100-metre radius do not equate to 10% or more of households. It is also stated that the proposals will cause less than substantial harm to the listed building: “The proposals are put forward as a sensitive and thoughtful evolution of the property to make sense and maximise the use of the building in the least impactful way.”
No car parking facilities are available but the site is said to be in a highly sustainable location and secure storage for six bikes would be provided.
The planning reference is 24/04619/FUL. The deadline for comments to the council is 30th January and the council expects to make a decision in February.
There’s no Harm in Trying
The former Chapter One brewpub | Photo © IanRedding / Shutterstock.com
Pictures from the Past Cleveland Place, 1982
Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press
THIS week’s archive photograph takes us back to 10 January 1982, when Colin Hamilton braved the elements to capture this atmospheric view of Cleveland Place covered in snow.
Although the scene is instantly recognisable today, and although Walcot Parade has changed little – apart from being spruced up a bit – down at road level the changes have been dramatic. In 1999, it was decided to remove the traffic island seen here and replace it with
two new islands. This entailed the removal of two facilities which had been here for decades – a public phone box and public conveniences.
The underground toilets opened in 1928, while the first telephone kiosk was installed here way back in 1911 – although the kiosk seen here is a much later model.
In 1982, Bathonians still took it for granted that such facilities could be found in numerous locations all over the city. Fast forward 42 years and only a very few are left, phone boxes having fallen victim to the ubiquity of mobile phones and public conveniences to the need to save money.
Cleveland Place in 1982
1 Long green lizard (6)
2 Mrs. J F K (10)
3 Extra (5)
4 Small Central American republic (2,8)
5 Arab chief (4)
6 Reprimands (7)
7 Boo-Boo's buddy (4)
8 Kitsch (3,5)
15 Angrily headed east for salt water (3,4,3)
16 Stand up! (2,4,4)
17 Pack number (5-3)
20 Foreign office (7)
23 Stair verticals (6)
24 Maasai Mara location (5)
26 Trundle (4) 27 Inspects (4)
Food & Drink
Hot tickets 2025: Festival Frenzy!
Klaxon! Bath Restaurant Week
- a brand new initiative that promises to be “the ultimate celebration of Bath’s hospitality businesses” brought to you courtesy of Bath Improvement District (aka Bath BID) - will set tongues wagging across the city from Saturday 3rd - Sunday 11th May. You can sign up to the mailing list to stay informed about events, exclusive deals and discounts or to be among the first to add your business to the party. www.bathrestaurantweek.com
Rebalance Bath: Festival of Wellbeing returns to Bath for the second year from Thursday 30th
Sponsor this section! Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk
January - Sunday 16th February and includes a special guest appearance from revolutionary Professor of Epidemiology Tim Spector OBE, who will be at The Forum on Tuesday 28th January to talk about his new book Food for Life: the definitive, easy-todigest guide to the science of eating well.
https://bit.ly/3Pj8QrE
The Bath & West Food and Drink Festival returns to the Bath and West Showground (Shepton Mallet) on Saturday 22ndSunday 23rd March, unveiling a new brand identity for the British Cheese Awards (henceforth to incorporate Ireland in its remit)
Recipe: Crab Macaroni Cheese
alongside food and drink stands, a bierkeller area, a designated Kids Zone, chef demos and much, much more at this deliciously exciting weekend showcasing and celebrating the very best produce of the south west. https://bit.ly/3PfqgFN
Bath Foodies Festival returns to Royal Victoria Park from Friday 29th - Sunday 31st August, this year featuring the a La Española Chefs Theatre, a Cooking School, a Silent Disco, a BBQ Stage, and a Cake & Bake Theatre alongside headline acts including Symphonic Ibiza, Blue and Scouting For Girls! www.foodiesfestival.com
Bath food tour experts Savouring Bath are making exciting changes to their scheduled tours for 2025, opening their new year bookings diary in February and adding a new tour to their tasty schedule of food and drink experiences alongside their legendary Bath Food Hero tour and popular Cheese, Gin and Tea Spas. www.savouringbath.com
The fabulous fundraising food’n’comedy combo Belly Laughs will announce their Bath 2025 schedule this spring, we’re hoping that the Flourish (Saltford) Food Festival flourishes once again this summer (perhaps at their new second site in Norton
St Philip?) and we’re keeping an eye on news of the return of the Bath Vegan Festival later in the year. However, Valley Fest (Chew Magna) is taking a well-earned break in 2025, Pub in the Park won’t be pitstopping in Bath and neither the Great Bath Feast nor the Bath Good Food Awards appear to be returning to the menu anytime soon.
Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath. www.theprandialplayground.uk
Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide
A little pot of fresh crab meat (readily available in big supermarkets) added to an erstwhile humdrum macaroni cheese brings a touch of time-of-the-year luxury to a classic dish without breaking the bank.
Ingredients (serves 4)
• 200g macaroni
• 20g unsalted butter
• 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
• 50g fennel, finely sliced
• A handful of parsley, leaves and stalks, separated and finely chopped
• ½ tsp red chilli flakes
• The juice and zest of half a lemon
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp brandy (optional but highly recommended)
• 300ml full fat milk
• 80g Cheddar cheese, grated
• 50g Gruyere cheese, grated, plus extra for the topping
• 250g mixed brown and white crab meat
• Fresh nutmeg
• A handful of fresh dill, finely chopped
• A handful of white breadcrumbs
Method
• Preheat the oven to 180c/gas mark 4 and cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the packet minus 2 minutes of the recommended cooking time. Drain, rinse under very cold water and set to one side.
• In a large saucepan over a medium heat, melt the butter with around ½ tbsp olive oil. Add the shallots, fennel, parsley stalks, red chilli flakes, lemon zest and a pinch of salt and sauté gently for around 5 minutes or until soft and fragrant but not brown.
• Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, then add the brandy and continue stirring to create a thickish, paste-like roux. Add the milk and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring with a whisk until the sauce is thick and lump-free.
• Take the pan off the heat, add the cheeses and a good grating of fresh nutmeg and keep stirring until the cheese has melted. Transfer the sauce to a large bowl and add the crab meat, lemon juice, chopped dill, parsley leaves and macaroni. Stir gently to combine, season to taste and plop the mixture into a lightly greased, oven-proof dish. Mix a handful of grated Gruyere with the breadcrumbs, sprinkle over the top and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling on top.
• Remove from the oven and allow to settle down for 10 minutes before serving accompanied by a well-dressed green salad.
Melissa Blease Food Writer
What's On
Bath Jazz Weekend
Widcombe Social Club
3rd - 5th January
The 5th annual Bath Jazz Weekend features a line-up of bands and soloists of international standing. The programme welcomes celebrated jazz artists from the Netherlands and France.
Secret Bath
BRLSI
8th January, 7.30pm
Karen Warren‘s book Secret Bath set out to discover some of the lesser-known sights. Join her on an exploration of some of the hidden, obscure and occasionally quirky details.
A Ceremony of Carols 2025
Bath Abbey
11th January, 7pm
Welcome the New Year with a magical evening of enchanting music sung by the acclaimed Bath Abbey Girls’ Choir accompanied by the beautiful sounds of the harp.
The Nightjar
Burdall’s Yard
14th January, 7pm
The Nightjar is Bath’s newest regular live music night, a collaboration with Burdall’s Yard and the acclaimed 7 Hills Festival. Held every Tuesday, it pairs top musicians with exciting local talent.
The Twelve Days of Lute-song
St Mary’s Church
4th January, 2.30 – 4pm
A concert of 16/17th century songs to the lute and baroque guitar with a light seasonal touch: each song mentions one or more of the items listed in ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
CAT the Play
Ustinov Studio
9th – 11th January
A riotous comedy play with a dark twist, never-before-heard original songs and far too much Lycra, from Richard Kieswick and Jamie Beamish. Tickets from £18.
The Night Sky Show
The Forum
11th January, 7.30pm
Astronomer and author Adrian West (aka VirtualAstro) presents a glorious visual and thought-provoking experience for everyone that looks up and wonders.
Angry Boater Komedia
15th January, 8pm
From Channel 4’s ‘Narrow Escapes', Joel Sanders – the former Las Vegas comedian who swapped the hubbub of the city for a nice calm life on the UK’s waterways - floats into Bath.
Dick Willows Wassail 2025
Dick Willows Farm
4th January, 1pm
Raise a glass to the apple trees, good health, and to the year ahead. Participants will be joined by wassail master of ceremonies extraordinaire 'Martin Maudsley'.
Midnight Mole
The Egg
10th January – 9th February
A heart-warming, moon-dancing adventure from the creative team behind Snow Mouse. Midnight Mole is the perfect first-time theatre experience for your littlest ones.
Bath Portrait Club
The Holburne Museum
12th January, 2 - 4pm
Fast paced and fun, Bath Portrait Club welcomes everyone (not just artists!) to have a go at drawing a face, with sitters changing every 15 minutes. Materials are provided.
A Man For All Seasons Theatre Royal 16th – 25th January
The greatest, most powerful and dangerous figures who shaped English history are brought vividly to life in Robert Bolt’s award-winning play. Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More.
Picture Book Reading Group
Topping & Company Booksellers
7th January, 10am
Welcome to Tiny Tales! Claud will read a handful of brilliant new picture books carefully selected. It will last for approximately 45 minutes and is for children aged 2 to 5.
Saturday Farm Club
Bath City Farm
11th January, 10am -12pm
A fun hands-on farm club for children aged 5-11. Giving youngsters the opportunity to feed the animals and explore the 37-acre site in the Whiteway area of the city.
Perry Harris: Essence of Bath
Victoria Art Gallery
14th January – 13th April
A free exhibition of work by local cartoonist and landscape artist Perry Harris. This selling exhibition focuses on cartoons and watercolours of Perry’s favourite Bath landscapes.
Cinderella Rondo Theatre 16th – 19th January
Once upon a time lived Cinderella –loved by everyone except for her evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters. She can always count on her best friend Buttons to be there for her. Friday 3rd January - Thursday 16th January
Popping in. Dropping round. Passing by.
Whatever you call it, our doors are always open for friends and family to come and go as they please. With biscuits on hand, even into the wee hours.
Every moment.
Sponsored by Howden Bath
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/bath
Curo staff spread cheer with much-needed gifts
STAFF at the Bath-based housing association Curo helped spread festive cheer to people living in its temporary accommodation service at Christmas.
The Gifts for Good scheme saw colleagues buy personalised presents for the residents, ensuring they don’t feel forgotten.
Kirstie De Beaufort, a colleague trainer at the organisation, came up with the idea when she noticed colleague Kai Fletcher, a Support Worker in Curo’s homelessness service, asking for gift donations for customers in need.
They developed the Gifts for Good pilot scheme, asking customers in temporary accommodation what would brighten their holidays.
Kirstie said: “We wanted to go beyond generic gifts and make our customers feel truly seen.”
Once they’d collected the wishes, Kirstie and Kai hung tags with the gift requests on a Christmas tree in the reception at Curo’s offices
in The Maltings, Bath. Kirstie added: “There was such a buzz in the office as people read the requests and rushed to help. It was incredibly touching to see
Locals come together for festive tree project
A SPECIAL Christmas tree has been on show in Weston village over the festive period, created by crafty local residents.
The Roundabout Craft Group at Weston Free Church (Moravian) were challenged by the group leader, Rev Lorraine Shorten, to create the crocheted tree back in February 2024.
They soon realised what a huge undertaking it would be and reached out to family and friends in the village and wider community for help.
The vision was taken up and the group received over 1000 4in x
4in crochet ‘Granny Squares’.
Once the squares were received, the next challenge was sewing them all together into an 8ft tree shape. The group were ably assisted by the church’s Boys' Brigade leader who made the frame and also installed the lighting for it.
The large star was also crocheted, with the addition of mini solar lights to twinkle at night.
The Roundabout Craft Group meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm and anyone is welcome to join to make and chat as they try out different crafts.
how relatable the wishes were.”
One tag read: ‘Single male in his 30s, would love a radio to help keep his loneliness at bay.’
The simple but meaningful
requests resonated with colleagues, and over 100 tags were taken in just a few hours.
Once the presents were returned to the office, colleagues then volunteered to wrap them and they were gifted to the customers.
Becky Allen, Service Manager at Curo, said: “The customers who live in our temporary accommodation have often experienced homelessness and a loss of connection.
“These personalised gifts show care and kindness in a way that makes them feel valued and supported.”
Curo provides emergency temporary accommodation to homeless single people and families. It has places for 23 households at one project in Bath, as well as in flats throughout the area.
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One-way system during office block demolition
Becky Feather Reporter
THERE will be a temporary one-way system in Wood Street in Bath from Monday 6th January for an estimated four months while Beazer House is demolished to make way for a new hotel.
The restriction affects Wood Street from its junction with Oak Street to the junction with the A36 Lower Bristol Road.
Bath & North East Somerset Council says traffic will only be able to travel along Wood Street in an anti-clockwise direction.
The order is for a maximum period of six months, but the works are anticipated to take 18 weeks.
The road will only be restricted when traffic signs are in position. Beazer House, which is the old Stothert & Pitt office block, is being demolished to make way for a three-star hotel.
Plans for the new six-storey 152-bed hotel next to the Esso
Abi Brinkhurst Branch Advisor
Howden Bath
Insurance Expert Hello Bath Echo readers!
Abi Brinkhurst here, Branch Advisor at Howden Bath; your friendly, local high street insurance broker.
We love being a part of the Bath community and in this new regular column will be bringing you advice and insights into the insurance market.
We’ll also let you know about what’s on in branch, from our fundraising efforts to our community boot exchange! We all know the insurance market has been a tough one to navigate 2024. So what can you do to try and find a better value policy?
Review your cover. Are you doing the mileage you’re insured for? You may well be insured for 10,000 miles but only doing 6,000. You can check MOT certificates for an accurate reading. Does a friend/family member use your vehicle under their ‘driving other cars’ cover?
It is always worth asking for a quote to add them, they could actually improve your premium!
Finally, have you considered adding a voluntary excess? This is essentially you agreeing to contribute a bit more in the event of a claim – many insurers will present you a more favourable premium because of this.
filling station on Lower Bristol Road in Bath were approved in September.
The scheme includes the widening of Oak Street and Wood Street to allow manoeuvrability for service and emergency vehicles.
The office block, which was built in 1966, has been vacant since November 2023 when L&C Mortgage Brokers, having exercised a break clause in their lease, relocated to Newark Works.
Also from next Monday, New King Street in Bath will be closed from the junction with Little Stanhope Street to its junction with Cumberland Row to allow Wales & West Utilities to carry out gas main upgrade works.
The road will only be restricted when traffic signs are in position.
The temporary closure is for up to six months, but the work is expected to take eight weeks.
The alternative route is via Stanhope Place, James Street West, the A367 Charles Street, Monmouth Place and Cumberland Row.
Sorting your insurance is not just a tick-box exercise. In fact, you could even be losing money by paying for an insurance premium that won’t cover you.
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Staff wrapping up the presents | Photo © Curo
The proposed hotel on Lower Bristol Road | Image © Frank Capital
The crochet tree at Weston Free Church
Council being urged not to cut ‘lifeline’ respite care service
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
A KEYNSHAM man has urged Bath & North East Somerset Council not to cut the “lifeline” respite care service that his family relies on.
Richard and Julie Franklin were hit by a “massive shock” in early December when they were told by letter that the respite care service at Newton House in Bath, where their son Ryan Probert often stays for short breaks, would close at the end of January.
That closure was “paused” after Mr Franklin launched a petition which has now been signed by over 1,800 people, but he warned many families did not know what this meant.
He has now addressed a meeting of the council to urge them to keep the service going.
On Monday 16th December, he told councillors on the council’s children, adults, health, and wellbeing scrutiny panel: “This home is a total lifeline that gives us just that little bit of time to enjoy that bit of freedom without any stress or any fuss or any worry.
“This situation has done nothing but cause stress and anxiety and worry to the both of us.”
Mr Franklin said: “Without the short breaks respite at Newton
House, my son and many others will have to go into full-time residential care at a much higher cost.”
Ryan is 28 and has an unbalanced translocation of chromosomes which means he is small, nonverbal and needs medication and a very high level of care.
His father said it had taken time to build trust with the home, but now the home knew and could deal with Ryan’s needs.
He added: “We are left to enjoy the free time, something of a bit of a normal life. We know Ryan enjoys his time there and away from us having a break is no different to all our kids going away from their parents and enjoying that free time.”
In mid-December, Councillor Alison Born, the council’s cabinet member for adult services, emailed the family to say that the closure of the home was “paused” while the needs of people using the home were reviewed and for alternative services to be identified.
But Mr Franklin said the family had not yet been offered any other provision, and that Ryan had been reassessed just two weeks previously due to “a messup on behalf of B&NES”.
Mr Franklin said: “We live day by day in stress and anxiety dealing with Ryan. Never a day goes by without something wrong or
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not right at the chemist, or with transport, just in general. The biggest worry though is the loss of his lifeline.”
Councillor Born has been invited to speak to the committee about the issue at its next meeting this month.
The vice chair of the council scrutiny panel Councillor Liz Hardman (Paulton, Labour) told Mr Franklin: “Thank you for making us aware of what was happening to your son, Ryan.
“It was your story that alerted us to what was happening because very few of us knew that Newton House was proposed to be closed as a respite centre.”
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Franklin said: “It’s nice that something has been set but, being left over Christmas, I should imagine it will be a conversation over the dinner table for a few users.”
He said: “[I’m] glad that something is happening and that people are taking notice. But should this decision have been made in the first place without any consultation?”
Councillor David Biddleston (Keynsham South, Labour), who accompanied Mr Franklin to the panel, said he was “shocked and disappointed that a decision could have been made without proper consultation”.
He said: “The Labour group will
continue to work very hard for the maintenance of this important provision.”
Mr Franklin said that service users had no political agenda, but said somebody had to stand up and share their position. Newton House is run by care provider Dimensions. The letter sent to families announcing its closure, which was co-signed by both Dimensions and Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We understand how important it is for you and your family to be able to access short breaks. This is not a decision we wanted to take, and we did not take it lightly. But unfortunately, Newton House as a short breaks service has simply become
unaffordable.”
Writing to families the following week to put the closure on pause, Councillor Born said the respite care service had been operating at about 60% capacity. She said: “The proposed change was intended to make the best use of this important facility and to ensure that it was meeting local needs but I understand the lack of clarity about alternative provision for each of the existing users has created uncertainty and I am sorry about the distress caused.”
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Ryan Probert, who uses the service at Newton House | Photo © Julie Franklin
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New Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University announced
PROFESSOR Georgina Andrews
has been announced as the new Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University.
Professor Andrews succeeds Professor Sue Rigby who has become Principal and ViceChancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, after seven years in Bath.
Georgina, who is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of Bath Spa University, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been appointed to lead Bath Spa University as the Vice-Chancellor, at such an exciting time in its history.
“The BSU community of learners is inclusive, collaborative and vibrant. We are rooted in the world heritage city of Bath, but our talented students and staff are also based at our site in London, and our valued partners support diverse cohorts of learners across the UK and overseas.
“Under my leadership we will raise our profile and ambition as we claim our rightful position as a confident, successful, professionally creative University for the future.”
Professor Andrews has considerable senior leadership experience and a proven record of engaging internal and external stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
She has a background in law and has led two distinctive and successful Business Schools.
Before joining the university sector, Georgina was a solicitor in private practice specialising in company and commercial law.
She also has a track record of external engagement and serving in non-executive roles, including as an elected member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) Council, Chair of the CABS
Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee and as an Assessor and Assessment Panel Chair for the Small Business Charter.
On her experience since joining the University in 2015, Georgina said: “BSU has grown significantly over recent years and has established firm foundations for future success.
“We have expanded our curriculum to include professionally creative ‘new
Odd Down primary school is making ‘great strides’ to improve
Becky Feather Reporter
A BATH school and the trust that runs it have been praised for taking “great strides” to improve after a critical Ofsted inspection in 2023.
St Martin’s Garden Primary School at Lympsham Green at Odd Down is part of Palladian Academy Trust.
In 2019 the school was told it needed to improve in all categories.
In the summer of 2023, the school was told it still needed to improve leadership and management and the quality of education.
However early years provision, children’s personal development and their behaviour and attitudes were all said to be good.
Following a recent monitoring visit, an Ofsted inspector says leaders have made progress to improve the school, but some aspects need further improvement.
In a letter to the co-headteachers, the inspector said they had started during the week of the inspection, following a period where they had supported the school alongside the previous
headteacher.
The inspector said: “This seamless transition in leadership has meant your staff have felt well supported through this time of change.
“The school and trust have worked together closely. You have taken great strides to address the areas for improvement highlighted in the previous inspection report.
“Although some work needs time to embed and requires further refinement, it is clear that the school is moving swiftly forward in these areas.
“Leaders’ actions have included deciding on the most important knowledge pupils need to learn.
You have ensured learning is sequenced so that it builds over time.
“This helpful layering of knowledge was evident in the lessons visited.
“The actions you are taking are having a positive impact on the quality of education pupils are receiving.”
This is also said to be the case for pupils at the school’s resource base and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.
The school and trust leaders are commended for “wasting no time” to act on the areas highlighted by the previous inspection report, making the necessary changes to start improving the quality of education and develop leaders at all levels.
However, pupils are said to have a more secure understanding of some subjects than others, and teachers do not always address misconceptions promptly enough, although pupils are beginning to remember their learning long term.
transformative power of higher education.
“As Vice-Chancellor I will champion parity of esteem between world-leading research, impactful knowledge exchange, and teaching excellence.
“I believe all three should be interconnected, sustainable and inclusive.”
Jonathan Glasspool, Chair of Bath Spa University’s Board of Governors, added: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Georgina Andrews as our next Vice-Chancellor, following a highly competitive selection process.
“Georgina is a senior university executive with an extensive record of strategic and operational leadership.
curriculum’ courses in subjects such as Law, Architecture, Wildlife Conservation, Biomedical Sciences, Forensic Science, Sports Management, Sport and Exercise Nutrition and Sports Media Production.
“As Vice-Chancellor I will ensure that we continue to innovate, and to enshrine teaching, learning and the student experience as our top strategic priority.
“I am passionate about inclusion, widening participation, and the
“She brings significant experience and expertise and most importantly, she has a set of values and aspirations that align very closely with those of Bath Spa University.
“She is therefore perfectly placed to build on the very substantial progress made by the University under Professor Sue Rigby’s leadership.”
Professor Becky Schaaf will take up the role of interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University in January, supporting Professor Georgina Andrews as Vice-Chancellor.
MP's card competition winner revealed
BATH MP Wera Hobhouse attended Widcombe Junior School’s Christmas production to award the winner of her 2024 Christmas Card Competition.
The Christmas card competition, themed ‘Festive Fun in Bath’, received entries from schoolchildren across the city. Tilly Davey aged nine, was selected as the winner for her card that captured the joy and spirit of Bath at Christmas time.
The design was featured on Wera’s official Christmas card, sent to friends, colleagues, and supporters across the country. Congratulations were also given to two runners-up in recognition of their creations.
Wera attended Widcombe Junior School’s festive play as a special guest, where she was welcomed by students and staff.
After enjoying the performance, Wera joined Head of School Mr. Harley to present Tilly with her award and a small gift by way of congratulations on her success. Wera said: “I was delighted to present Tilly with her award and a small gift to celebrate her achievement. Her design was vibrant, full of festive cheer, and beautifully captured the magic of Bath at Christmas.
“I want to thank all the children who entered the competition - it was wonderful to see so much young talent on display.”
Wera Hobhouse with winner Tilly Davey
Professor Georgina Andrews | Photo © Bath Spa University
Surge in norovirus cases putting extra pressure on busy NHS
A SPIKE in the number of people being admitted into hospital with norovirus is putting additional strain on an already busy health service, leaders have warned.
Services have already seen increased demand over the Christmas and New Year period and now have to manage an influx of people coming down with the highly contagious winter bug.
Health leaders are urging people to help stop the spread by maintaining good hand hygiene, staying away from others when feeling unwell and avoiding visits to friends and family in hospital until at least two days after norovirus symptoms have passed.
Connie Timmins, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “While norovirus can be extremely unpleasant and problematic for all who encounter it, preventing the bug from spreading is straightforward.
“At this extremely busy time for the NHS, we need people to practise the basics, and this starts with ensuring that hands
are cleaned regularly, not just after using the toilet or touching untreated surfaces.
“People with symptoms that could be norovirus, such as diarrhoea and vomiting, should isolate until they feel better, and not venture out, especially to a healthcare setting like a hospital, GP practice or pharmacy, until at least 48 hours after recovery, as it may still be possible for the virus to be passed on to others.
“Following these simple steps will enable patients to focus on getting better and ensure our busy frontline teams can continue providing potentially lifesaving care to those who need
Maternity team praised for showing respect
MATERNITY staff at the RUH have been praised for treating patients with dignity and respect, following feedback from a survey carried out by the CQC.
The team at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘better’ or ‘somewhat better’ than other trusts in a number of key areas in the 2024 Maternity Survey. In the survey, carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care, the maternity team was praised by women and birthing people for treating them with dignity and respect during labour and birth. They also said they particularly felt confidence and trust in the staff caring for them during labour and birth.
Inspectors found examples of outstanding practice relating to the RUH’s commitment to continuously improving services, patient experience and the supportive environment provided for staff.
The national 2024 Maternity Survey looks at the experiences of women and birthing people who gave birth in February 2024. The survey ranged from antenatal care through to labour, birth and
post-natal care.
The team was also praised by survey respondents for:
• If attention was needed during labour and birth, a member of staff was there to help.
• Not being left alone by midwives or doctors at a time when it worried them.
• Not being sent home during labour when they were worried.
• Staff introducing themselves before examination or treatment.
• Receiving appropriate advice and support when contacting a midwife or the hospital.
Zita Martinez, Director of Midwifery at the RUH, said: “I am thrilled to receive this fantastic feedback from the people we care for. It’s a reflection of the hard work and commitment from all our maternity staff who go above and beyond every day.
“At the RUH we are committed to being an organisation where everyone matters, so it’s great to see how women and birthing people felt they were treated with dignity and respect – feedback the Trust has received in recent CQC surveys of other hospital departments. “This shows how our staff consistently reflect our Trust values, delivering the highest quality care.”
Colourful spring expected at the RUH
it most.”
When washing hands, people are advised to use soap and water, instead of alcoholic hand gel, as sanitisers are ineffective at killing the harmful norovirus particles. While the symptoms of norovirus can usually be managed effectively at home, some people, including young children and those who are older, may be at a higher risk of becoming severely unwell, especially through dehydration.
People with norovirus and in need of medical help should avoid visiting services in-person, and instead use NHS111 online in the first instance.
VISITORS to the Royal United Hospital in Bath this spring will be able to see a colourful display thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the RUH group. The team has planted thousands of Dutch tulip and crocus bulbs at the hospital, thanks to a special donation by Bath in Bloom. The bulbs were given in recognition of the strong relationship with Bath’s twin city Alkmaar, in the Netherlands. Situated in the north-west of the country, the historic city of Alkmaar is famous for its tulip fields.
and give a sense of wellbeing as well as providing an important food source for bees and other pollinators. We’re really appreciative of Bath in Bloom for their support.”
Created by one of the Netherlands’ leading bulbgrowing suppliers, the flowers are a special “Alkmaar mix” of red tulips and white crocuses reflecting the colours of the Dutch city’s flag.
Bernard Rymer, Chair and Assistant Treasurer of Friends of the RUH, said: “Our two cities have been twinned for 80 years so it’s a real pleasure to be able to bring a little bit of the splendour of Alkmaar to the RUH.
“We’ve planted bulbs in grass verges and green spaces across the site which will provide a beautiful show of colour from March through to May. We know what a difference flowers can make – they lift the mood
Joss Foster, Chief Strategic Officer at the RUH, said: “We’re really grateful to the Friends of the RUH for their ongoing work to make our site a welcoming environment.
“The volunteer gardening team take such great care of our courtyards and green spaces, which provide a much-loved sanctuary for the people we care for and the people we work with. “As well as brightening up the RUH for all those coming on site, patients in the Dyson Cancer Centre who are being cared for in isolation rooms will have an incredible bird’s-eye view of a spectacular flower display.”
Special arrival for parents as they welcome Christmas triplets
SOME very special presents were delivered at the Royal United Hospital in November, with the arrival of identical triplets who were due to be born on Christmas Day.
Hunter, Bodhi and Travis were all born within minutes of each other in November, and were cared for at the hospital’s Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care before returning home with parents Stacey and Grant Silk.
The boys were born at 33 weeks, with Hunter and Travis both weighing 4lb 6oz and Bodhi 4lb 5oz. They will be brothers to the couple’s two other children Juke, 7, and Blake, 3.
Stacey said: “It’s magical. We’re so lucky that they’ve all been born healthy and have made such good progress so quickly. It feels as though someone’s been looking over us.
“Although the pregnancy was difficult at times, especially physically, I was very lucky not to have any of the medical complications that can come with triplets.
“We’re just overjoyed, so happy!”
When the couple attended Stacey’s first scan, they were told they would be having twins.
“We were left a bit speechless when we were told it would be
twins, but we came to terms with it quite quickly and let all our friends and family know.
“Grant joked at the time ‘Imagine if there’s another one!’. Little did we know!” It was at their next scan they found that it was going to be triplets.
Stacey said: “When we were told, we just looked at each other and burst into laughter. We couldn’t believe it. When we got back to the car we just sat there in silence for a few minutes, trying to make sense of it all. It was quite overwhelming at the time.
“Grant had just bought a new car and said he was glad he’d chosen the nine-seater!”
Now back home in Oakhill, near Shepton Mallet, Stacey said the couple were looking forward to a big family Christmas.
“We’re taking it one day at a time and embracing the chaos – we’re quite a chaotic family anyway, so it suits us!
Speaking about the care she received at the RUH, Stacey said:
“We’ve been so well looked after. Everyone has been so supportive and helpful. I call the staff here our angels on earth.”
Stacey and Grant with their triplets | Photo © RUH
Thoroughly washing your hands helps reduce the risk of spreading norovirus
Restored Vampire aircraft installed in new self-storage facility
A METICULOUSLY restored
Vampire T11 aircraft has been successfully installed in the new Vanguard Self Storage site on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath.
The aircraft, a symbol of British aviation excellence, takes centre stage in the building’s entrance.
The WZ450 Vampire was originally delivered to the RAF in 1952 and spent most of its service life based at Pembrey as an advanced training aircraft before being acquired by Vanguard in 2023.
It was restored and transported to the new Bath facility in eight carefully managed sections.
Once inside, a dedicated team reassembled the aircraft over five days, followed by three days of intricate work to suspend it
securely in its striking display position.
This latest addition continues Vanguard’s unique way of creating talking points by incorporating historic and cultural artefacts into and onto its facilities.
Commuters travelling on the A40 past Vanguard’s West London branch have seen an eclectic array of rooftop exhibits, including a helicopter, a Doctor Who TARDIS, a Mark IV tank, and a Supermarine Spitfire.
Will McCullagh, Managing Director for privately owned and family-run Vanguard Self Storage, said: “Restoring and displaying these iconic pieces of history is a personal passion for us.
“Our business roots were in industrial moving and
engineering services which led us to acquire numerous items over 60 years. We are delighted to share some of these treasures with local communities and welcome visitors to our stores.
“The iconic Vampire on display at Bath follows on from the installation of the English Electric Lightning interceptor aircraft at our Bristol location and the Hawker Hunter displayed at Staples Corner, London.”
Once open in early 2025, the new Vanguard facility in Bath will offer 45,000 square feet of lettable storage space for business and private customers, together with a business lounge. Storage units will be individually alarmed, and the site will be monitored 24/7 by CCTV.
Shop propped up after ‘structural movement’
A CITY centre shop is being temporarily propped up after “serious structural movement” was found.
In an application seeking listed building consent, the acrow props in the shop space of Dr. Martens at 20 Union Street are said to be “a very short-term solution, and a permanent repair is needed to maintain the integrity and fire safety of the building”.
The plan is to replace the timber beams above the shop as they are “overloaded and heavily decayed, resulting in serious structural movement”.
A structural report says the damage is due to a long-term water leak going unnoticed but in any event the timber beams are “inadequate” for the existing loads.
Due to water then getting in during the recent Storm Bert, and
a blocked pipe at basement level, damage occurred to all levels, particularly at the shop floor and in the basement, which was flooded up to 10cm.
The report says an inspection “highlighted the same issue whereby water was entering the building behind hidden false walls that due to the severity of the storm caused greater immediate damage in addition to that caused over a long period”. Since then there have been further investigations and Bath & North East Somerset Council is now being asked to approve plans to replace the beams and carry out repair work at the Grade II listed building.
It is proposed that internal hoardings will be used to close the rear of the shop safely from the front, which will continue to be in use during the work. The planning reference is 24/04600/ LBA and any comments on the proposals must be sent to the council by 17th January.
Plans to turn hotel and golf course into a private residence
weddings booked that the business would be closing at the end of September.
A PLANNING application has been submitted to turn Tracy Park near Bath from a hotel and golf course into a private home. The estate at Wick, with its two championship 18-hole golf courses and Grade II listed 40-bed hotel, had been on the market last year with a guide price of £12 million.
The estate, which has more than 200 acres, was the home of the Tracy family for 300 years until it was developed into a golf hotel in 1974.
It was acquired by the Shaw family in 2019 and in 2021 they revealed their hopes of turning the estate, which is in the Green Belt and Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, into one of the region’s finest four-star hotel and leisure complexes.
But in July last year, general manager Greg Shaw broke the news to golf club members and people who had events including
He spoke of his family’s heartbreak at the decision, as we reported at the time.
Mr Shaw said many potential purchasers and operators had viewed the property but all leisure operators had concluded that under the planning constraints and current business model, Tracy Park was not a viable operation; however, a private individual had come forward and a sale had been agreed.
Bath firm Lord Architecture has now prepared a planning statement to accompany the planning application to South Gloucestershire Council, explaining that the estate was sold to their client in October and they wish to change the use, including all land and ancillary buildings, back to residential use for them and their family.
The report says there is no longer a demand for commercial use and the facility is no longer fit for purpose, so the change of use should
proposed.
Becky Feather Reporter
Becky Feather Reporter
The Tracy Park estate is located in Wick, near Bath
The Dr. Martens shop in Union Street
The aircraft being lifted into place | Photo © Vanguard Self Storage
Safety and security fears as apartments are approved in block
Becky Feather Reporter
PLANS to turn vacant office accommodation in the city centre into apartments have been given the go-ahead despite safety and security concerns.
The proposals for the upper floors of 19-21 Charles Street, part of a Grade II listed Georgian terrace where there are businesses, were approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council planners.
The proposed development will create two two-bed selfcontained units across Units 1921D and Units 19-21E.
The council had received objections with comments including: “This is not a residential terrace, this is a thriving community of small businesses that look out for each other.
“Installing residential property amongst these businesses will create friction and compromise security.”
Another said: “Having two residential flats in the same block sharing common front and rear entrances is concerning as the offices have expensive equipment on site along with highly sensitive data.”
Fire risk was also flagged up.
In their assessment of the plans, council officers said: “There have been a number of objections received from occupiers of other offices within the terrace which are not proposed to be altered.
“The concerns raised relate to the safety and security of the existing units once a residential use is introduced on the upper floors.
The upper floors are already accessed via the same staircase.
Office and residential are compatible uses and experienced across the city.
“Whilst security is a material consideration, in this instance,
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Bath Riverside café closes suddenly
communal spaces could be addressed by the management company if an issue arises in the future with new users of the spaces.
“Should the current users of the lower floors require a security upgrade, this could be considered within an application where the works would require listed building consent.”
The report added that the “perceived impacts” did not warrant a refusal as the proposed development will not cause significant harm through loss of light, overshadowing, overbearing impact, loss of privacy, noise or other disturbance. The proposals include four spaces for bikes in the rear courtyard where there is
A BATH venue has closed suddenly, apologising via social media that “we didn’t get to say a proper goodbye”.
Cassia, the co-working café and events space at Sovereign Point, closed last month.
The owner is Anna Sabine, who at last July’s General Election became the MP for Frome & North East Somerset.
An announcement on Cassia’s Facebook says: “There’s no easy way to say this but after an amazing few years, Cassia has closed. Hospitality is a tough industry, and despite our best efforts, rising costs mean we can’t keep the business going.
“We are so, so grateful to all the amazing customers and staff who visited or worked with us over the years – we’re going to miss you. And we’re also sorry we didn’t get to say a proper goodbye.
“Thanks for everything – and
please, please do what you can to support your local independents.” Cassia’s mission, according to its website which is still online this week, was “to change how we work, eat and socialise”. It is described as “an ethical, value-driven business with a focus on excellence in employment, understanding our impacts, and working with the local community”.
It also says: “Cassia was founded by Anna Sabine and Tom Graham after they found themselves trapped in the first lockdown together and started brainstorming new business ideas. We’ve tried to blend the best elements of co-working, a café and a bar into one smorgasbord of great food, excellent company and stylish surroundings. We do this with our team.”
A new café is expected to open within the next few weeks.
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The property on Charles Street
The former Cassia cafe, which is located at Sovereign Point
AI could be used to write council documents to save money
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence
(AI) could soon be writing documents and answering questions from residents, as Bath & North East Somerset Council looks for ways to save money.
The local authority is consulting on plans to save an extra £6.2 million through cuts and new income in its next budget.
But while cuts are planned in many areas, the council is proposing to spend £65,000 on AI.
AI programs can now write convincing human-sounding text, but concerns remain about accuracy and AI “hallucinations”.
The council is hoping the technology can “increase staff efficiency”.
It is looking at using it for chatbots to answer residents’ queries, creating draft documents, and summarising meetings and phone calls. A detailed equalities impact assessment will be undertaken for each different use of AI at the council.
A council spokesperson said: “We are currently consulting on our
budget proposals which include piloting the use of AI to improve services to our residents.
“Benefits to residents of using AI could include faster response times to queries and easier access to information about our services.”
An equalities impact assessment into the council’s use of AI said:
“Ambient voice AI is now in use as a pilot for social care teams having in person meetings with service users. Initial feedback has been positive from service users and staff.”
The council set out its plans to invest in AI as it launched the consultation on its plans for its 2025/26 budget. The council said it had “faced escalating costs” since it last set its budget in February.
£8.4 million of cuts and new ways of generating revenue had already been identified by the council, but now ways to save another £6.2 million have been drawn up.
The savings include increasing green bin charges from £57 to £70 to generate £350,000, increasing the baseline price of residents parking permits from £100 to £120 to generate £172,000, and a maximum council tax increase
of 4.99%, of which 2% will be ringfenced for spending on adult social care.
The council is also proposing to increase its budget by a total of £13.8 million, a figure which both accounts for the increase in costs and demand on services and includes new investment, such as the spending on AI.
The council also wants to spend £350,000 on bringing more home-to-school transport in-
Council leader urges residents to sign petition against bus lane plans
Becky Feather Reporter
THE leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council is asking people to sign a petition against the proposed 24-hour bus lanes on the A4 Keynsham Bypass.
Residents in Saltford have received letters from Councillor Kevin Guy about the bus lanes proposed for the A4 by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), run by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
Despite opposition to the bus lanes in a public consultation held in 2023, WECA is pressing ahead with the controversial plans for 24/7 bus lanes on the bypass.
The letter from Councillor Guy (Bathavon North, Liberal Democrat), says: “We have to stop plans to put 24/7 bus lanes on the Keynsham Bypass.
“Labour’s Metro Mayor is proposing 24/7 bus lanes on the A4, reducing the current fourlane dual carriageway to just two lanes, one in each direction.
“I’ve heard from many of you that you’re concerned about how this could lead to traffic building up through the village on an already busy route.
“That’s why, with your local Liberal Democrat councillors,
we’ve launched a petition to urge the Metro Mayor to take a more common-sense approach.
“Our proposal is to allow local residents to use the bus lanes during non-peak hours, a practical solution that’s already working well in other areas.”
Councillor Guy urges residents to share the petition with friends and family, adding: “With your support, we can convince Labour’s Metro Mayor to rethink these plans.”
In 2023, when the plans for the A4 were first revealed, an online petition was started
on the change.org website by Independent Saltford parish councillor Chris Warren, urging WECA to “reconsider the proposed “radical changes to the A4 Bath Road which would have disastrous consequences for our community, causing immense traffic delays and adding to pollution levels”. That petition was signed by more than 1,600 people.
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house with its own vehicles and employed drivers. The move is estimated to save the council £600,000.
The council’s budget will go through several council scrutiny panels in January before going before the council cabinet on 13th February, and to a meeting of full council on 25th February for final approval.
The consultation on the budget proposals runs until 5pm on
20th January. You can respond to the consultation at https:// www.bathnes.gov.uk/budgetconsultation-2025-2026 If you need support, a printed survey, information in another format including audio, braille, large print or in another language, or you would like to feedback on any other aspect of the consultation, you can contact budget@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 39 60 53.
Two more HMOs approved in Twerton
PLANS to turn a three-bed family home in Twerton into a five-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) were approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The plans for 100 Redland Park were submitted by a property developer and include reconfiguring the layout to provide two bedrooms, a porch, communal space and kitchen downstairs, along with three bedrooms, a bathroom and separate WC on the first floor.
The end-of-terrace property does not have any allocated parking, but a bike store will be provided in the back garden.
Objectors highlighted that parking is at a premium in the road, that the extra traffic will make an existing dangerous culde-sac worse, and that there are already too many HMOs.
There were also concerns relating to potential noise and that the conversion would create “cramped” living conditions for tenants.
The council has a mapping tool which identifies HMOs within a 100-metre radius as there can be no more than 10%. In this case, there are a total of 94 homes and two of them are HMOs, both on the opposite side of the road to No 100. The equates to just over 2%.
Another criterion the council takes into consideration is whether a property would be ‘sandwiched’ between HMOs.
The report added: “It is acknowledged that the property is attached on one side to a family property. The layout has considered the internal layout which has located the communal area to the ground floor; the kitchen, whilst open plan, is located on the wall away from the adjoining neighbour, along with the stairs being located away from the party wall. All of which will help to minimise any potential issues with noise.”
The planners were satisfied with the proposed size of the rooms and said there is no requirement to provide a minimum number of parking spaces.
Permission to turn another property in Twerton into a HMO was also granted.
Aurelius Properties Ltd proposed changes to the layout of 14 Shaws Way, currently a three-bed semi, to become a HMO for four people, with no parking. Concerns were raised by objectors that there are already too many student houses which the local infrastructure can’t support. Council officers said the conversion would not result in ‘sandwiching’ between other HMO-certified properties nor breach the 10% rule.
The Guildhall in Bath
Keynsham Bypass, where the bus lanes are set to be implemented
Planning reform will ‘destroy’ vital part of local democracy
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
GOVERNMENT plans to overhaul local councils' planning committees, as part of its drive to “get Britain building again”, are threatening to destroy a “vital part” of local democracy, the MP for Bath has warned.
As part of the Prime Minister’s plans to “put builders not blockers first”, the government published its new national planning policy framework, for 370,000 homes to be built across the country every year.
Meanwhile, it is also planning to reform council planning committees, the local bodies made up of elected councillors which decide major planning applications.
Bath’s Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse said: “There is no denying that appalling mismanagement by the Conservatives has left us with an acute housing shortage.
“We urgently need to build more houses and fast. But it is not local planning authorities that are causing delays to house building – it is land supply and land banking.
“That’s why I’m concerned by the government’s decision to
overhaul planning committees as they play an important role in supporting local democracy, ensuring that local voices are represented in decision-making.”
In Bath and North East Somerset, most decisions about whether to grant planning permission are taken by council officers under delegated powers, but developments that are large or controversial are usually referred to the planning committee by councillors.
Planning committees are already required to decide whether to grant planning permission based on local planning policies, and can see their decisions overturned by the Planning Inspectorate when they fail to.
But under the government’s new plans, far more applications would be decided under delegated powers by planning officers, with the rules set by the government in London.
This could mean that all developments which line up with the council’s Local Plan of where housing should go could be decided by officers, not local councillors.
The chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee, Councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) said: “Council planning committees are a vital part of local democracy.
“They ensure that councillors and residents can bring their
in-depth local knowledge to the fore when new developments are being considered.
“It’s also really important for the public to see important decisions that impact them, being taken and justified in public rather than behind closed doors.”
Ms Hobhouse added: “If the government are seriously committed to speeding up house building, they should concentrate on pushing developers to deliver on their planning permissions and addressing land banking, rather than threatening to destroy this vital part of local democracy.”
She clashed with Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook over the plans in the House of Commons on Monday 9th December.
She told him: “It is not local planning authorities that stop house building, but land supplies and land banking, as we have already heard this afternoon. In Bath and North East Somerset alone, something like 2,000 homes have received planning permission but have not been built yet.”
Mr Pennycook said: “We have to have more permissions going into the system and more timely planning decisions made in accordance with material planning considerations and in a consistent way, not relitigating
or revisiting decisions that have been made in outline. However, we also absolutely have to take action on land supply and buildout.”
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has called the planning system “clogged up”.
She said: “Streamlining the approvals process by modernising local planning committees means tackling the chronic uncertainty and damaging delays that act as a drag anchor on building the homes people desperately need.”
It comes as the government has more than doubled the council’s housing target from 717 homes a year over the next 20 years to 1,471, and made meeting the figure mandatory.
In October, council leader Kevin Guy (Bathavon North, Liberal Democrat) called it a “crude target”.
At the same council meeting, Matt McCabe (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrat) warned that Bath could not take more than 5,000 homes without harming its World Heritage Site status, meaning space for 11,000 would need to be found in North East Somerset, more homes than there are currently in Midsomer Norton.
He said: “That’s not just a new town. That would be the biggest town in North East Somerset.”
Fund to look at divesting from companies linked to weapons
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
A MAJOR local government pension fund has said it will look “as soon as possible” at divesting £22 million which campaigners have warned is invested in companies profiting from breaches of international law in Palestine.
140,000 people from over 450 employers have paid into the £6 billion Avon Pension Fund, which administers the local government pension scheme for the former county of Avon. But campaigners have warned that £10 million of this money is funding arms companies producing weapons being used by Israel in Gaza, and a further £12 million is invested in companies profiting from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Now the committee which runs the pension fund has said it has listened to people’s concerns and is already working to determine what action it takes.
Nick Dixon, head of pensions, said: “That work is going to take a few weeks and we would propose that this committee considers the work and comes back as soon as possible in the new year to discuss it properly and reach a final decision.”
He was speaking at a meeting of the Avon Pension Fund committee in Keynsham on 13th December, where his statement
was met with applause from campaigners in the public gallery.
People had travelled from across the Avon area to protest against money they had paid into their pensions being used to fund breaches of international law and abuses of human rights.
Palestinian solidarity campaigns from Bath to Clevedon unfurled their banners outside the meeting, which was taking place in the large meeting room above the library at Keynsham Civic Centre.
Inside the meeting, seven campaigners addressed the committee as public speakers.
Dr Eldin Fahmy said: “Avon Pension Fund is funnelling taxpayers’ money into companies aiding or profiting from very serious breaches of international law.”
He added: “This is not just a political choice. It is a matter of good governance for the fund.”
Jane Samson listed General Dynamics, Northrupp Gruman, BAE Systems, and Boeing as arms companies the fund had invested in which she warned were manufacturing weapons being used by Israel in Gaza.
Ms Samson said she was “deeply troubled” by the investments.
Fay Pafford said she was in contact with a medical student in Gaza, Said, for whom she had run a GoFundMe to help him continue his studies online after his university was bombed.
She said: “He puts his life at risk every time he walks from his
home to the hospital as Israeli drones regularly shoot and kill people walking in the street.”
She said: “Investments in Boeing Corporation provide Israel with the precision-guided bomb-kits it has used to kill three of Said’s medical colleagues and their families a few days ago. If you don’t want to be complicit in this, there is only one course of action open to you: divest.”
Mr Dixon told the public speakers: “Thank you all for your very moving statements, your personal stories, and your moral compassion that you bring to this issue.
“I think you have raised an issue of international importance but it is also an issue for the investments of the fund and their integrity.”
Chair of the committee, Paul Crossley (Southdown, Liberal Democrat) said that the process the committee had to follow would take time, but said: “We will be expediting that process as quickly as possible.”
He added: “From my own personal point of view, I have visited Palestine twice and have seen many of the issues that people have raised here.”
Speaking after the meeting, Ms Samson called Avon Pension Fund’s reaction “a positive response”. She said: “It seemed that the Avon Pension Fund committee are taking this seriously and we are looking forward to continuing to work with them.”
Photo © John Wimperis
Joanna Wright (Lambridge, Green), the councillor who led Bath & North East Somerset Council to pass a motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, also sits on the committee.
In a joint statement with Bristol City Council’s representative on the committee Fi Hance (Redland, Green), the two Green councillors said: “Like many others, we have been horrified by events in Gaza.
“The thought that [Bristol City Council] and [Bath & North East Somerset Council] could be complicit in the suffering of so many people is really distressing.
“We are therefore doing all we can to investigate how we can divest from companies that are linked to this ongoing genocide.”
But they warned that divesting may not be simple. Rather than having directly purchased shares in arms companies, the Avon Pension Fund’s investments are part of a passive equity pool, a financial product splitting money across thousands of companies, which the pension fund chose to invest in because of its climate credentials.
The Avon Pension Fund has made major efforts to be green and the pool was chosen because it is aligned with the 2015 Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Councillors Wright and Hance said: “There are currently no products that are Paris Agreement-aligned and exclude aerospace and defence.
“As we understand it, to do this would require a new index to be set up at significant upfront cost, and other local authorities that have looked into this have faced significant legal barriers.
“We will continue to look over all options and work with campaigners, other local authorities and the APF to do whatever we can to make sure our investments are aligned with our values and in solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
The Avon Pension Fund committee had been due to hold its next meeting in March. The committee will now set an earlier date in the new year for a special meeting to make a decision on divesting the £22 million involved in arms companies and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The fund is administered by Bath & North East Somerset Council, with representatives sitting on the committee from the three other local authorities of the former county of Avon: Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, and South Gloucestershire Council.
The changes mean more decisions will be delegated to planning officers
Bath netball duo chosen for U21England squad
NETBALL duo Alanna Pullen and Phoebe Maslen, who are part of Team Bath, have been selected as part of a 16-strong England U21 squad that will tour Australia.
Former Blue & Gold stars Sophie Kelly and Jayda Pechova – who, like Pullen, are University of Bath student-athletes and supported by sporting scholarships – are also in a squad that will face the host nation and New Zealand during a tournament taking place in Canberra from 17th – 23rd January 2025.
The travelling group are all eligible for the Netball World Youth Cup, taking place in Gibraltar in September 2025, and mid-courter Pullen is determined to seize the opportunity with both hands.
She said: “Being selected to go on tour with England U21s is truly a
dream come true.
“I’m incredibly excited to travel to Australia, where I can learn from some of the best in the world and push myself to new heights as a player.
“My focus on this tour is to build strong connections with my teammates while also honing my physical and tactical skills.
“I’m determined to leverage my strengths in attack, continuing to refine my decision-making and court awareness, so I can contribute effectively in the midcourt and shooting circle, and help dominate against top-tier opposition.”
This is the first overseas international tour for England at U21 level since the coronavirus pandemic.
Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby, a University of Bath Hall of Fame for Sport inductee, has
also named her senior squad for February’s Vitality Netball Nations Cup, which includes former Team Bath netballers and University of Bath sporting scholars Imogen Allison and Paige Reed. Tash Pavelin and
Hannah Passmore, who were also supported by scholarships as student-athletes, have been named in the England A squad for behind-closed-doors fixtures against Malawi, South Africa and Uganda.
Three-medal haul at 2024 judo championships
STUDENTS from Team Bath, based at the University of Bath, won three medals for their performances at the 2024 British Judo Championships in Coventry.
Roxy Proctor fought to reach the women’s -63kg final, where she faced Team GB Olympian Lucy Renshall.
The Team Bath judoka impressed as she took the former world number one to golden score before narrowly losing out by three shidos (penalties) to one. Sidney Tancock and Chemistry for Drug Discovery student Anika Rabi both won bronze medals, in the -48kg and -70kg categories respectively.
Former University of Bath sporting scholar Chloe RobynsLandricombe was close to joining them on the podium, only being
denied -57kg bronze by Paris 2024 Olympian Lele Nairne. Sports Performance student Kaitlin Chapple-Allen also had to
settle for fifth place in the -70kg category after losing out in her bronze-medal bout. Alex Jenkins was seventh in the
men’s +100kg and Sam Elliott was just outside the -73kg placings after winning two and losing two of his fights.
Whether you'd like us to include your upcoming fixtures, or submit a match report for publishing, we would love to hear from you. Send fixtures lists for your team to sport@bathecho.co.uk and we'll add them to our sports calendar. If you have photographs that we can use, we'd also like to include them within these pages, on our website and social media. We're happy to host match reports from across Bath. Send them to sport@bathecho.co.uk with the subject Match Report.
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Photo © Will Cooper / Fever Pitch
The team at the British Judo Championships | Photo © Team Bath