The Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 27 November 2025 to discuss the relocation of the Bath Recycling Centre, the progress of the School Streets programme, and the Greener Places Plan for Bath and North East Somerset. Key discussions included noting the progress on the recycling centre relocation and the School Streets initiative, and discussing the strategic direction for green infrastructure across the region.

Bath Recycling Centre and Locksbrook Road Refurbishment Projects

The committee received an update on the relocation of the Bath Recycling Centre from its current site at Midland Road to Locksbrook Road. This move is necessary to facilitate the development of 176 new homes on the Midland Road site, including social rent and shared ownership properties, with financial support from Homes England. The Locksbrook Road site will also house the cleansing services team and SEND passenger transport, improving operational efficiency.

Councillor Mark Minkley, Strategic Manager for Climate and Environment, presented the project, highlighting that planning permission for the new recycling centre was granted in April 2025. The project aims to ensure continuity of service for residents, improve operational efficiency, and embed sustainability. Key sustainability measures include the installation of air source heat pumps, potential for solar panels, EV charging infrastructure, a site waste management plan, and replacement tree planting. The project also includes flood risk management measures and aims for a 70% biodiversity net gain.

Concerns were raised by a public speaker, David Redwell of Southbridge Transport Network, regarding the potential for increased traffic congestion and the safety of the raised gantry system at the new recycling centre. He cited anecdotal evidence of accidents at similar facilities elsewhere. However, Councillor Minkley stated that the new site would be considerably less congested than the current Midland Road facility and that health and safety had been considered.

Questions from the panel focused on the Environment Agency's flood risk activity permit, with Councillor Minkley assuring the panel that no delays were expected. Councillor Duncan Hounsell sought clarification on whether health and safety was discussed at the planning committee, to which the public speaker responded that it was not a primary consideration for the committee's decision. Councillor John Leach questioned the reduction in the range of accepted materials, but Councillor Minkley clarified that approximately 80% of the tonnage from the current site would still be accepted, with hazardous waste managed at a facility in Keynsham. Concerns about traffic congestion on Locksbrook Road were also raised, with monitoring planned for four months after the opening.

School Streets Programme

The panel received an update on the School Streets programme, which aims to create safer environments for children walking and cycling to school by restricting motor vehicle access during drop-off and pick-up times. Councillor Lucy Dybal, presenting the programme, explained that the current phase involves four schools: Newbridge School (funded through Liveable Neighbourhoods) and St Philip's Primary School, St. Stephen's Primary School, and Whitchurch Primary School, funded by a combination of clean air zone reserves, a one-off budget allocation, and active travel funding from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

Cara Mazzetti, the project manager, detailed the delivery timeline, with early engagement with residents and communities planned for December, followed by traffic regulation order consultations in January. The aim is to have the school streets operational by the end of the Easter holidays in April. The programme relies on a partnership model with schools, involving temporary barriers and signage, with exemptions for residents, blue badge holders, and pupils with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Councillor Saskia Heijltjes questioned the timing of the report, as a decision had already been made, and raised concerns about the sustainability of relying on school staff and volunteers for marshalling, suggesting camera enforcement (ANPR) as a more effective and potentially self-funding solution. Councillor Dybal acknowledged the funding challenges and stated that ANPR would be considered for future phases. Councillor Duncan Hounsell raised concerns about the tenuous nature of the funding for the programme, which relies on reserves and one-off allocations.

Councillor John Leach inquired about the number of schools invited to express interest and the reasons for non-participation, with 18 schools responding. Councillor Karen Walker asked about the inclusion of secondary schools in the outreach, and Councillor Ruth Malloy raised concerns about parking and access for carers and grandparents, particularly for schools like Whitcomb Primary. The panel also discussed the effectiveness of short school streets, such as the proposed 20-metre section on Chalmers Road, and the potential for unintended consequences, such as encouraging driving due to reduced chaos.

Greener Places Plan for Bath and North East Somerset

The panel received a presentation on the Greener Places Plan for Bath and North East Somerset, a 10-year strategy focusing on green infrastructure and nature recovery. Councillor Mark Minkley, Strategic Manager for Climate and Environment, provided an overview of past projects, including Bathscape, Somer Valley Rediscovered, Chew Valley Reconnected, and the Water Space Partnership, which have secured significant investment and delivered improvements in biodiversity, community access, and natural flood management.

Councillor Ollie, presenting the forward-looking strategy, emphasised the importance of partnership working with external organisations and the council's commitment to improving policies and practices across all departments. The plan aims to build an evidence base, reduce inequalities, increase greening in urban areas, and maintain the region's leading role in green infrastructure. The financial benefits of green infrastructure, including savings in public services through natural flood management, improved air quality, and health benefits, were highlighted.

The discussion covered future plans for Bathscape (now rebranded as Landscape City), the Bath River Line, Somer Valley Rediscovered, and Chew Valley Reconnected. Specific proposals included enhancing biodiversity in Keynsham Memorial Park and a potential new footbridge at Summerdale. The Western Forest initiative, a large-scale tree planting project across multiple sites, was also mentioned.

Councillor Saskia Heijltjes raised concerns about the measurement of children's access to green and playable spaces, arguing that safe and independent travel, as well as the quality and maintenance of spaces, are more important than distance alone. Councillor Andy Wait highlighted the need for increased green infrastructure in areas with significant new housing development, such as Charlton Road in Keynsham, and questioned the absence of Green Flag parks in North East Somerset. The panel also discussed food growing and its integration into the Greener Places Plan, with a separate food strategy being developed concurrently. Concerns were raised about dealing with private land ownership and ensuring that green spaces are secured through planning applications and Section 106 agreements. The future of the Bathscape team and their integration into the Landscape City programme was also discussed.

Panel Workplan

The panel discussed potential future items for its workplan. Suggestions included the draft air quality strategy, which is scheduled for January, and a review of residents' parking zone (RPZ) policies. The panel also discussed the potential inclusion of a discussion on community resilience and emergency planning, with a link to an existing item on flood risk management in March. The draft local plan was suggested for discussion in May.