VeraCityBath Limited

2011-11-12T14:32:00.003Z

That's all folks, we're signing off.

Again, congratulations to all.

We're keeping VeracityBath alive, but on standby.

Any future enquiries please contact the Batheaston, Bathampton or Bathford Parish Councils.

Bath Transportation Package goes on a diet.

2011-10-03T14:09:00.000+01:00

B&NES' new administration, led by Liberal Democrats, have presented a revised funding request to the Department for Transport, for a Bath Transportation Package..

It is effectively the 'Low Cost Alternative' as detailed in the original Major Scheme Business Case, and does not include a P&R on Bathampton Meadows, the Bus Rapid Transit road through Newbridge, and proposes a smaller Newbridge P&R extension.

We would like to say a big thank you to all VeracityBath contributors & suppoerters.

Without your support, and the work of the other campaign groups that were involved, the case would just not have got across to those that make the decisions.

Every email, every letter, every petition signature, every little concession gained, every penny spent on legal action, and every inch gained up the slippery slope, has paid dividends.

Please click here for more details.

VeracityBath letter to prospective councillors.

2011-04-18T15:54:00.002+01:00

BATH TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE: PARK & RIDE and BRT

For the attention of all prospective B&NES Councillors

Bath and North East Somerset community has been led to believe that any substantial change to the Bath Transportation Package (BTP) will disqualify the B&NES funding bid from the Department for Transport (DfT) grant pool or send it to the back of the queue - this is not true.

The DfT has stated that “..not only are we allowing amendments to the scope of schemes where that would
improve affordability and value for money, we are positively encouraging it”.
It is not a matter of B&NES selling assets and contributing more money and asking for less from central Government. Instead, the Government (DfT) wants high value for money as well as significant savings on cost.

In light of this Government directive and the following key considerations, B&NES should rigorously
re-evaluate the linked Park and Ride (P&R) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) elements of the BTP.

1. B&NES’ own papers show that the Bathampton Meadows P&R would have little or no impact on traffic congestion or traffic related air pollution (NO2 and PM10) along London Road. It, therefore, fails to achieve stated primary objectives. In fact, B&NES’ own air quality assessment states that “the large majority of Bath and the surrounding area is unaffected by the introduction of the proposed Bath transport package of which the A4 Eastern Bath Park and Ride is an important element”.

2. B&NES’ own papers show that the highest percentage (46%) of demand for the Bathampton Meadows P&R is from the north via the A46 and the planned provision of 1400 spaces falls short of the need for 1800 spaces. However, the site is not capable of extension because it immediately abuts the River Avon flood plain. This P&R is, therefore, in the wrong location and is not sustainable.

3. The Bathampton Meadows P&R would be the largest and most environmentally damaging in Bath - a blot on the Green Belt and Cotswolds AONB landscape setting of the City of Bath World Heritage Site (refer map). This has been recognised in a number of Government and B&NES reports which rejected the site on the grounds of serious adverse environmental impact.

4. Public consultation on the Bathampton Park and Ride was untimely and perfunctory. B&NES’ evaluation of the scheme was carried out in secrecy and presented as a “fait accompli”. Public consultation later revealed a 78% rejection rate by Bath voters! More than 500 objection letters were submitted. There is also significant, well documented, public opposition to the Newbridge P&R extension and BRT, led by the Newbridge Matters! and Response2Route Groups.

5. Defying logic, the BRT scheme seeks to link an extended Newbridge P&R with the proposed Bathampton Meadows P&R and would, for the majority of its length, not be a segregated, ‘off road’, route (refer map). On the contrary, it would be ‘on road’ and shared with pedestrians, (motor) cyclists, cars, vans, HGVs, other buses and refuse/recycling vehicles, i.e. -

· the BRT scheme will not improve the travel times of current bus services, with little hope of keeping to a timetable as BRT buses will have to stop and start at frequent intervals.

· the unwieldy BRT buses will put additional pressure on traffic flows along London Road and Bath’s relatively narrow streets and exacerbate the chaos already being experienced at Dorchester Street.

6. The BRT is intended to be a dedicated route for commuters, shoppers and tourists. However, it has very few stops for local residents (refer map). It is, therefore, extremely likely that, as is already happening, residents would drive to the P&Rs, fill up the spaces and bus in more cheaply than on existing routes, i.e. the P&Rs could fill up early, leaving no room for the people for whom they were intended.

7. Independent economic evaluations, reported in the Bath Chronicle, indicate that the Net Present Value of the BRT and P&R schemes (Newbridge extension and Bathampton Meadows) is negative, suggesting the projects should be rejected.

For more information please contact us at: vcbath@gmail.com

VeracityBath is a private Not for Profit Company which was established by a number of Parish Councils, community organisations and concerned people in the Bath area.

Its objectives are - to enhance and protect the World Heritage City of Bath and its surrounding area.

B&NES local elections May 5th & more.

2011-04-07T12:18:00.004+01:00

As you’re no doubt aware, local elections take place on May 5th.

If the subject of the Bath Transportation Package (BTP), or any aspect of it, is of particular concern to you, we advise that you enquire of your local candidates their position on this subject.

VeracityBath is at present sending a document to prospective candidates of all parties, which lays out as we see it, the reasons why the contentious elements of the BTP should be re-evaluated immediately.

Our colleagues to the West of town (Response2 Route & Newbridge Matters) have issued a document to the DfT, making their case.
To read this document, click here.

You may be interested to read generally what R2R & NM are up to -
Newbridge Matters.
Response2Route.

SaveBathamptonMeadows and VeracityBath have continued to make their views known regarding the BTP, and will continue to do so.

Thank you.

It's not dead it's just resting.

2010-06-27T19:17:00.005+01:00

We are a little concerned that many people feel that the Bath Transportation Package is ‘dead in the water’ due to the Government’s recent announcements of financial cutbacks,……………this is NOT so.

The Government will complete a ‘Spending Review’ in October, and it is unlikely that any decision will be made before then on whether B&NES will succeed in qualifying for any Grant Money from the Department for Transport.

VeracityBath will continue to keep our council honest on this, however sometimes it can prove diffiicult -

Despite continuously asserting from the beginning that all elements of the BTP are absolutely indivisible and interdependent, B&NES continue to make ambiguous and disingenuous statements on this matter. This principle has been reinforced as one result of our legal actions, however we cannot take our eye off the ball, particularly as the validation for the Eastern P&R, in terms of Green Belt planning requirements, is the BTP scheme as a whole.
Despite being pressed for assurances that all BTP preparation spending will be suspended until the results of the Government spending review become clear, they state that they have “ ……. taken action to minimise the council’s exposure in these uncertain times”. Not what we’d call a satisfactorily transparent answer.
Despite a summing-up statement from our legal action – “….. there was absolutely no prospect of the Council as applicant being in a position to deliver the Batheaston proposals other than as part of the BTP as a whole which depends upon public funding being secure for the whole from the DfT.” , B&NES now state that “…. your (VCB’s) assumption that the DfT represents the only potential source of funding for this project is flawed”. Again, another example of their muddying of the waters. We intend to find out exactly what that means in terms of whom they are misleading here.
Despite B&NES’ fine words regarding their responsibilities regarding Bath’s World Heritage status, and the impact that the BTP will have upon it, the silence has been deafening since we have started asking awkward questions.
Despite the open-ended uncertainty, the Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of hundreds of people regarding the Compulsory Purchase Orders on their properties, continues to threaten.

There is absolutely no question that there should be a public debate regarding Bath’s traffic infrastructure and planning.

Issues like air-quality, parking, bus services, HGV access, and all aspects of on and off road street management, are all subjects that should be addressed ……...............…. transparently and openly.

We urge all our supporters to approach their local Councillor(s) to ascertain the stance that they will take on the run-up to next year’s local election.

Not all Conservative Councillors support the BTP proposals, and perhaps not all LibDems are against – if these issues are important to you, perhaps you need to find out where your Councillor stands.

Compulsory Purchase Orders Public Inquiries postponed.

2010-06-10T20:44:00.002+01:00

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Transport-package-inquiry-scrapped-Government-spending-crackdown/article-2292876-detail/article.html

CPO objectors have today been informed by the Inspector’s Programme Officer that the Pre-Inquiry scheduled to be held next Monday 14th June and the Public Inquiry set to be held on 1st September 2010 have both been postponed.

This obviously makes life very difficult for B&NES, as their schedule is now blown out of the water, and takes the whole affair into the run-up to the Local Election next May. ...........
Make of that what you will.

The full text of the message received is set out below -

“The Secretary of State for Transport has issued a Statement today, indicating that the Department for Transport (DfT) will play a full part in the Government's spending review, which is being undertaken in view of the urgent need to tackle the UK's record budget deficit. This spending review will be reporting in the Autumn and only once it has been completed will the DfT be in a position to identify those major investments that can be supported.

“Steps are therefore being taken to help avoid unnecessary expenditure, whilst the Government considers its transport priorities. The Statement makes it clear that Ministers will postpone decisions on scheme orders and public inquiries relating to schemes which require DfT funding, unless alternative funding sources are available. As the Bath Transportation Package requires DfT funding this means that the Public Inquiries, scheduled to commence on 1 September 2010, have today been postponed.

“In consequence, the Pre-Inquiry Meeting scheduled for Monday 14 June 2010 is also postponed.

“The Government will aim to provide a firm indication on the way forward later this year once the spending review is complete.”

You can help.

2010-06-08T17:09:00.001+01:00

Many readers will be aware from Public Notices published in The Bath Chronicle, that B&NES Council has now made Supplementary Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) concerning land they require for the Bath Transportation Package (BTP).

The Programme Officer for the Inspector has advised as follows:

“The Supplementary CPOs are for the accommodation works, connected with the scheme, which should have been submitted under S240 of the Highways Act (temporary acquisition) but were in error included in the main (permanent) CPOs. The Council have said that they will accept any relevant objections made under the original CPOs as objections to the relevant Supplementary CPO."

These latest CPOs require any objections to be submitted to the Secretary of State by Friday 25th June 2010, which is after Monday 14th June - the date already scheduled for the Pre-Inquiry to be held.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who previously missed the chance to make their voices heard on the subject of the Transport Package CPO for the London Road bus lane, and most readers of this site will be aware that there are no shortage of very good reasons to object.

Objections should be in writing and mailed to:

The Secretary of State for Transport
Government Office for the North East
Local Authority Orders Section
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4WH

Our colleagues at http://www.newbridgematters.blogspot.com/ are encouraging people to attend this Pre-Inquiry and show the strength of feelings on this.

Wonderful support at our fundraiser ....... and what we're up to.

2010-06-08T17:01:00.002+01:00

We would like to thank everybody for their magnificent support.

Rest assured that we are continuing with the fight to stop B&NES' ill conceived Bath Transportation Package.

We mustn't assume the government will pull the plug on it, so keeping 'our' case in front of the relevant people is one of our main jobs at the moment ......... in other words, make it easy for them to throw it in the bin.

The daily spending of local tax-payers money by the council is a massive gamble on their part and totally irresponsible given the present financial situation.

£4m and rising.

Our other approaches are, as we have said before, lobbying the relevant authorities on the subject of our council's cavalier handling of Bath's World Heritage status. Please see previous postings.

Another subject that is becoming increasingly relevant is that of the Compulsory Purchase Orders.

The £6m spend on this is to be the subject of a Public Inquiry in September.

There is a Pre-Inquiry next week - please see

http://www.newbridgematters.blogspot.com/

for more info on that ......... plus please see our posting above.

We appreciate your support - don't stop - we won't get anywhere by staying quiet.

We can announce a successful outcome of Judicial Review.

2010-05-31T19:38:00.001+01:00

Press Release -

VCB announces that its judicial review proceedings in the High Court of Justice has been successfully decided upon based on papers, without the need for a costly trial. Whilst the Judge has refused permission for judicial review, the reasons given in the Court Order are a confirmation that B&NES Council can only develop the Green Belt site at Bathampton Meadows as part of the Bath Transport Package, and not independently.

Deputy Judge Ian Dove QC confirmed in the Order: “It is clear from the committee report that the advice to the members (which they accepted) was that very special circumstances could be made out for the development when regard was had to the implementation of the Bath Transport Package as a whole…”

Therefore, the Council cannot develop the Bathampton Meadows site independently as a Park and Ride without being in breach of its submissions to Court in the VCB proceedings. Were the Council to start independent development, VCB would be entitled to apply to the High Court to re-consider the action on the basis that the Council misled the High Court.

Given that this confirmation was one VCB sought originally from the Council, but the Council had refused to confirm other than in response to the judicial review proceedings, the whole case, and its associated costs would have been avoidable if the Council had been open and transparent in respect of the BTP. This was further exacerbated by the Council seeking in its acknowledgement of service to bully VCB by claiming unreasonable costs, rather than dealing with the substantive issue.

That the order therefore gives the assurances that VCB sought without the costs of trial means that the outcome is highly successful for VCB. As leave was refused, and as is typical in litigation, B&NES was granted a contribution to costs, but only half of its claimed costs – reflecting the unreasonable stance taken by B&NES.

In respect of World Heritage issues, VCB also clarifies its position. The Bathampton Meadows lie in Green Belt, adjacent to the Cotswolds AONB and in the World Heritage Site landscape setting and green valley approaches to the City of Bath, the proposed development being in what would be the ‘buffer zone’ which UNESCO have recommended should be placed around such sites. VCB did write pre-action correspondence with B&NES in respect of World Heritage issues, but did not wish to expend unnecessary cost - either its own or Council tax payers’ - on legal challenge but instead referred the matter to the custodian of World Heritage issues, UNESCO. VCB has written several times to UNESCO, Cabinet Ministers and other relevant bodies and, as a result, UNESCO has ordered an investigation into this inappropriate development in the World Heritage setting. We look forward to the results of that investigation in due course."

Spokesman for VCB, Mark Millar, commented:

"We are delighted to have obtained, for the people of Bath, confirmation of protection from independent development of the Bathampton Meadows by the Council under its own planning permission.

“This is what we had sought from B&NES Council in correspondence - without the need for costly litigation wasting VCB’s and tax payers’ money - but is consistent with the woeful way that the Council has treated, and continues to treat, its residents throughout the BTP process. This is ongoing.

“Despite DfT suspending consideration of funding for the BTP in April pending the Government’s spending review, thus putting B&NES on risk of all costs incurred, B&NES failed to notify interested parties, including the Court and still continues incurring costs – for itself and interested parties – including in respect of the CPO public inquiry. We call for B&NES to stop all work on the BTP, and seek suspension of the CPO inquiry pending the outcome of the DfT review of funding.

"This was a case that we should never have had to bring but we are delighted to have obtained protection for Bath residents from inappropriate independent development on the beautiful and historic Bathampton Meadows."

BTP funding on hold !

2010-05-17T23:23:00.000+01:00

B&NES Council were notified on 20 April by the Department for Transport that consideration of the Bath Transport Package Major Package was on hold pending the election and the spending review that would follow.

A copy of the attached letter (click on above image) was received today with the following FOI response:

“Mon 17/05/2010 09:44

Dear xxxxxxxx

Your email to xxxxxxx was forwarded to me for reply. The Bath Transport Package scheme – which includes the BRT element - is one of the schemes on hold pending the proposed spending review. A copy of the letter sent to the Council is attached.

Yours sincerely,

Fozia Chughtai, DfT - Regional & Local Major Projects, South West “

The letter clearly states that any work undertaken by the Council on the Major Scheme Business case will be “entirely at [the Council’s] own risk”.

Please note that this scheme is on hold pending the spending review and not scrapped. It is important that we continue to oppose the elements of the scheme and do not think it is over!

Bathampton Meadows painting auction.

2010-05-05T12:28:00.001+01:00

Please see the details of the forthcoming fund raising event - click on the picture above for a bigger view.

Sunday 6th June 2010 - 2pm to 5pm.
Hill Lodge, Northend, Batheaston.
Come along - all welcome.

Bathampton Meadows oil painting.

2010-03-19T17:09:00.001Z

Local artist Jane Riley (Dolphin House, Batheaston) has painted an evocative picture of the magnificent view of the open countryside of Bathampton Meadows and surrounding Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty seen from the southern slope of Little Solsbury Hill.

Please click on the image.

The oil painting is being exhibited in The Framing Workshop (Walcot Street, Bath) from 22nd March for one month.
Limited edition prints of the painting (£30 & £40) can be purchased/ordered from The Framing Workshop,
or Jane Riley, email - georgeandjane@hotmail.com ,
or Maurdens News, High Street, Batheaston.
Payment is by cash or cheque made out to VeracityBath Ltd.

The original painting will be sold by auction in Batheaston in May 2010 - date and venue to be announced. If you are interested in purchasing it please leave a closed bid (in excess of £500) or a notice of interest and your contact details with The Framing Workshop or Jane Riley.
The date and venue for the auction will be advertised shortly in the Bath Chronicle and on the VeracityBath Ltd and Save Bathampton Meadows websites -
http://www.vcbath.blogspot.com/ , and
http://www.savebathamptonmeadows.blogspot.com/

Jane has very generously donated her oil painting to VeracityBath Ltd free of charge and Martin Tracy - The Framing Workshop, has very generously framed the picture free of charge.
All proceeds from the sale of the painting and limited edition prints will go to funding of VeracityBath Ltd’s campaign to stop the construction of a 1400 space Park and Ride facility on Bathampton Meadows.

Judicial review proceedings against B&NES.

2010-03-14T19:34:00.002Z

On 19 February 2010, before expiry of the legal deadline, we issued judicial review proceedings against B&NES in respect of the Bathampton Meadows application.

This followed a shocking late admission by B&NES in legal correspondence that each of the planning permissions could be implemented separately ......... despite each element having always been described as indivisible and interdependent parts of the Bath Transportation Package.

This is particularly relevant to Bathampton Meadows, because the use of the ancient Meadows, which is green belt land, was purportedly justified as a park and ride in law by the Council based on the "very special circumstances of the Bath Transportation Package as a whole".

Sorry, but for legal reasons, full details of the claim are not included here. However, we have challenged B&NES Council to come clean on its true intentions.

We will update you when a response is received.

'Ello 'ello, what's going on 'ere then.

2010-03-12T13:56:00.005Z

Here are the two different versions of a letter from Julian Abel of the Department for Transport, issued in July 2009. Please click on the above for a larger image.

After requesting the first version, which is a neutral statement of the DfT position on funding for the BTP, amendments to the content were evidently requested by B&NES before it was presented to both the Development Control Committee ahead of its crucial August meeting, and for publication in the Bath Chronicle.

We have obtained both copies......

We invite you to spot the differences and wonder how the debatably stronger tone of the second one may have been designed to influence the planning decision made on 5th August 2009.

Hmmmm.

On other matters - some Bath Chronicle articles of interest -

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Row-land-shambles/article-1900716-detail/article.html

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/MP-s-pledge-BRT-inquiry/article-1900519-detail/article.html

A reply from UNESCO, and other matters.

2010-03-05T11:30:00.004Z

Please click on the image above to see a larger copy of the UNESCO reply to our earlier letter regarding B&NES' reponsibilities on Bath's World Heritage City status.

On the legal issues - we are now fighting on two fronts - applications are in for Judicial Reviews on the conduct of both the Dept. for Communities & Local Gov't, and secondly, B&NES themselves.

We've got 'em rattled, but it's getting expensive folks - we're doing our very best but we need your help - if you can spare a few quid, please see the panel on the right.

To the hundreds of you that have already donated - many many thanks.

Having repeatedly stated over the last two years or so that all the elements of the Bath Transportation Package are absolutely indivisible and interdependent, B&NES now seem to be suggesting in a letter to us that it was only an "intention".

Huh ?

Another issue where our council appear to be making this up as they go along, is the subject of Compulsory Purchase Orders.

The question of who is able to object 'Statutorily' or 'non-Statutorily' seems to be another moveable feast.

Please go to Newbridge Matters for more information on this.

Why Trams ?

2010-02-26T13:58:00.000Z

We all know the BTP isn't the answer - perhaps this is.

Click on the image for a printable poster.

A call to UNESCO...

2010-02-22T13:16:00.002Z

We have written to UNESCO asking them to give urgent consideration to B&NES' response that world heritage issues were not a material consideration in their decision to concrete over the meadows in Bathampton and Newbridge, given that we believe they are not in possession of the full facts of the proposed developments. A copy of this letter can be found here.

We will continue to update progress.

Judicial review update

2010-02-16T21:41:00.002Z

The Treasury Solicitor, on behalf of the Secretary of State, has now acknowledged service of the Judicial Review proceedings and provided summary grounds of resistance. In the response the Secretary of State has formally accepted that he made the mistake of not referring to the departure from local plan! However, they seek to resist the claim and state that the fact that he got it wrong would not have changed the outcome of his decision.

We are busy preparing a response which will be the final document before the Judge considers the case at some point in the next few months.

Join us...

2010-02-01T12:36:00.001Z

VCB is actively looking for new members – groups or individuals – the only liability is £1 should the company run up debts it can’t cover. Members are equivalent to shareholders in a regular company, except of course there will be no dividends paid out as it is a not for profit organisation.

The idea behind VCB is that it acts as an umbrella organisation for people in B&NES to give support (financial, if possible, and moral through strength of numbers) to complement the focused work of individuals and groups. This is seen as an evolving state with new people joining and others leaving if they feel it is no longer relevant for them (members can resign at any time by simply writing in). If you would like to join VCB please e-mail us and we’ll send you the necessary form.

Public meeting success

2010-01-28T19:35:00.013Z

Where's the proposed Eastern P&R going to go ? ...................

Please click here to view larger picture.

Last night VCB Limited held its first public meeting in Batheaston. The hall was packed with around 80 people having to stand – many thanks to everyone who attended.

The directors of the company gave a presentation which updated the attendees on the legal challenges against the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and B&NES Council. In addition, there was information on the public inquiry into the compulsory purchase orders associated with the Bath Transportation Package. To see a map of the proposed Bathampton park and ride site please click here.

Naturally there was a call for new members and help with funds for legal expenses – details on how to donate can be found in the right hand column. Thank you to everyone who signed up and made financial contributions at the meeting.

For more information please e-mail us.

Public meeting 27th January, 19.30 - 2100.

2010-01-18T15:09:00.003Z

Judicial review claim lodged

2010-01-15T15:41:00.004Z

It is announced today that VeraCityBath Limited (VCB), an umbrella company whose members comprise Parish Councillors and local community organisations, has launched judicial review proceedings with regard to the controversial Bath Transportation Package. It has filed an application for judicial review against the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with Bath & North East Somerset Council (the Council), the applicant and decision maker for the proposals, as an interested party.

VCB is also awaiting a response from the Council to a formal pre-action protocol letter submitted to the Council late last year in respect of a separate judicial review challenge of the Plans.

VCB believes the Secretary of State should have called for a public inquiry into the planning applications for a new park and ride at Batheaston and the joint application for Newbridge park and ride extension and bus rapid transit link. The Batheaston application was referred to the Secretary of State by the Council because it did not satisfy the tests required to build a park and ride on green belt land, but the Secretary of State failed to take account of this issue in his determination not to call a public inquiry. The Secretary of State had called the Newbridge and BRT application in for his own consideration as the two applications were considered to be intrinsically linked including by the “very special circumstances” needed to be satisfied in relation to the use of green belt land for park and rides.

A judge has already awarded VCB an interim protected costs order to limit its liability against costs up until the case being considered by the judge, when it will seek for the order to be extended.

The Company is represented by leading public law experts Harrison Grant and Nathalie Lieven QC and David Blundell, of counsel.

For further information please visit the Save Bathampton Meadows and Newbridge Matters blogs.