NEWS RELEASE

24 May 04

B&NES Monmouth Street public convenience call in

Call in of decision regarding the closure of Monmouth Street Public Convenience at Seven Dials in Bath

Bath & North East Somerset council has received a valid call in regarding the decision by Councillor Rosemary Todd, Executive Member for Sustainability and the Environment, to close Monmouth Street Public Convenience at Seven Dials in Bath.

The call in will be heard by the Planning, Transport, Economy and Sustainability panel within ten working days of the receipt of the call in (Friday May 21).  The Chair of the panel is Councillor Peter Metcalfe.

If the decision is referred back to the Executive Member for reconsideration then the Executive Member has a further 10 working days to make a response, either amending the original decision or confirming the original decision giving reasons in either case.

 

The call in request dated 21st May 2004 reads as follows:-

 

We, the undersigned, wish the Executive Member, Cllr Rosemary Todd, to reconsider her decision to close the Monmouth Street Public Convenience at Seven Dials in Kingsmead Ward.

 

We believe there is a case for re-examination of the decision as more information is coming to light which was not available when the decision was taken, particularly in regard to the proposed alternative provision.

 

The Monmouth Street Public Convenience is a busy city centre facility with disabled access.  No alternative facilities for the disabled have been identified in the vicinity.

 

There is no plan for continuing provision while alternative facilities are established.

 

The Seven Dials building is well designed (by Future Heritage) and is thus in keeping with the World Heritage Status of the city.

 

It is close enough to meeting DDA standards that upgrading costs may be pared down

 

It has Planning protection - may not be used for any other purpose

 

Displacement of users could have an impact on nearby businesses (eg increased water bills if staff WCs are used) and on local amenities (eg drug use in parks)

 

Automatic Public Conveniences (APCs) are proposed as part of the city centre replacement programme

However since the APC was established in Midsomer Norton, unforseen problems have emerged.

The APC is not approved by Equalities Officers

APC may not gain Planning Approval if placed in proposed site in Monmouth Street

APCs may cost more than anticipated

 

Signed by Cllrs Sarah Webb, Brian Barrett, Colin Barrett, Bryan Chalker, Mike Ringham,  Betty Perry,  Andrew Furse,  John Bailey,    Leila Wishart,  Chris Cray  Hilary Fraser

 

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