Public meeting success

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.

Judicial review claim lodged

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.