Draft transport and developments plans set for late summer consultation

Proposals that would help reduce car use and the impacts of car travel in Bath and North East Somerset, will go out to public consultation alongside the Local Plan Partial Update.

Bath and North East Somerset Council declared Climate and Ecological emergencies with a target to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2030. Transport accounts for 29% of B&NES’ carbon emissions and with that in mind the council has set the following targets:

• to reduce vehicle mileage by 25% per person

• a shift to 76% ULEV and 14% hybrid vehicles

• only 10% of vehicles to be powered by petrol and diesel

The draft Transport and Development Supplementary Planning Document aims to support changes to key transport policies set out in the Local Plan Partial update and if approved would be used by the council to assess development plans, proposals and requirements, where planning permission is sought.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Planning and Licensing said: “This draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has a key role in supporting the council’s commitment to providing the leadership to enable Bath and North East Somerset to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

“The transport policies set out within the Local Plan Partial Update have been strengthened and this draft SPD builds on those policies, providing guidance and setting standards and expectations for delivering sustainable development within Bath & North East Somerset.

“It provides clarity for ‘what good looks like’ to Bath and North East Somerset Council, drawing on best practice.”

Councillor Sarah Warren deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel said: “The Bath and North East Somerset Local Plan is being updated to reflect the council’s priorities on the Climate and Nature emergencies. It will help us to deliver on our vision of safe, resilient and universally inclusive walking and cycling infrastructure that enables mass uptake of active travel, supports health and wellbeing and reflects local needs.”

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport said; “Transport accounts for 29 per cent of Bath &North East Somerset’s carbon emissions. Business as usual is no longer an option, and we need to act to achieve a major shift to mass transport, walking and cycling where possible to reduce transport emissions. Enabling a reduction in vehicle usage where using cars is not necessary, will provide an opportunity to reallocate road space to sustainable transport infrastructure and green infrastructure.”  

The draft Transport and Development Supplementary Planning Document covers the following topic areas:

• Walking & Cycling: including design requirements for accessibility, safety and security, comfort, and legibility.

• Parking: information on how development should accommodate different types of car and cycle parking.

• Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles: the provision of charging infrastructure for new residential and business developments.

• Travel Plans: a checklist to provide clarity on what is expected to be included.

The draft SPD will go out for public consultation for six weeks from 27 August to 8 October.

You can find more information here: https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=1591