Permanent liveable neighbourhood scheme criticised

6 hours ago

John WimperisLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — The liveable neighbourhood scheme was initially be in place for six months

Google Google streetview image of Winifred’s Lane — The liveable neighbourhood scheme was initially be in place for six months

A campaign group has criticised a council's "shameful decision" to permanently close a road as part of a liveable neighbourhood scheme.

Bath and North East Somerset Council made the controversial closure of Winifred's Lane in Bath permanent despite many in the trial area being opposed to the plan.

The Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group, who oppose the scheme, said: "This decision will put at risk pedestrians, schoolchildren and cyclists".

Council cabinet member Joel Hirst said the objections "overstate the potential harm from the scheme" but acknowledged there were "areas of concern".

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Winifred's Lane has been closed to through traffic on a trial basis since November 2024.

Together with the changes to Gay Street and the through-traffic restriction on Catharine Place, it forms part of the 'Lower Lansdown and Circus Liveable Neighbourhood' scheme.

Cabinet member Hirst said: "By restricting through traffic at these three locations, the aim is to support the local neighbourhood, enable more local trips by active travel (walking, wheeling, cycling), and address excessive traffic on residential roads often used as shortcuts to and from the A46/M4 north of the city."

On January 30, the council approved the decision to make the scheme permanent.

"Significant traffic interventions are controversial, and we expect to hear some strong opinions, especially from those who oppose them".

"But there is clear evidence that this [liveable neighbourhood] has met its objectives," added Hirst.

'Mitigations'

The council's data found that Cavendish Road, Lansdown Crescent, and some nearby roads had seen reductions in traffic, while Julian Road and Morford Street saw an increase "within normal variances for the road network."

However, traffic on the lower part of Sion Road had roughly doubled.

The council said it would make "mitigations" on the road.

A spokesperson for the Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group said the decision is "against the wishes of the vast majority of hundreds of local residents living close to the lane".

The council is proposing to introduce a revised parking scheme on Sion Road to improve visibility outside Kingswood Preparatory School, and to introduce places for vehicles to pass.