The Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss a call-in regarding the first registration of land ownership of the riverbed in the Pulteney stretch of the River Avon in Bath. The panel ultimately dismissed the call-in, allowing the decision to proceed.

First Registration of Riverbed Land

The meeting focused on a call-in request concerning the decision to approve the first registration of land ownership for the riverbed in the Pulteney stretch of the River Avon, aligning with the council's existing riparian interests. The call-in was primarily based on a lack of transparency regarding subsequent associated projects that were cited as justification for the registration.

During the meeting, Councillor Saskia Heijltjes, the lead call-in member, questioned the timing of the decision and the lack of detail about associated projects, including the Better Moorings Project and any potential links to the Bath Rugby stadium redevelopment or the Pulteney radial gate replacement. She argued that the public deserved a clearer understanding of the council's intentions for the river corridor.

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath & North East Somerset, explained that the decision was a narrow, legal one to clarify the council's ownership of the riverbed. She stated that while the council had already incurred costs related to public safety, such as removing sunken boats, no specific future projects were currently identified. She added that any future projects would undergo their own approval processes. Councillor Warren also clarified that the timing of the decision was influenced by the temporary funding for the Better Moorings Project Manager.

Ward councillors Toby Simon and Amanda Rigby both spoke in support of the decision, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear ownership of the riverbed for effective management and flood control, and that future projects would be subject to separate scrutiny.

Luke John Emmett, a public speaker, also raised concerns about the lack of information regarding associated projects and the Better Moorings Project, drawing parallels with previous council assessments on boat dwellers' accommodation.

Following discussions and questions, the panel debated the call-in. Councillor John Leach felt that while more information on the Better Moorings Project would have been helpful, it did not invalidate the decision. Councillor Duncan Hounsell supported the registration, stating that clarifying ownership was logical and beneficial. Councillor Joanna Wright expressed disappointment with the lack of information in the original report and supported referring the decision back for more comprehensive reporting.

Ultimately, the panel voted to dismiss the call-in by a majority of 5 to 1, allowing the decision to register the riverbed ownership to proceed.