Call-In of Superstore Decision on Odd Down

Together with nine other councillors I have 'called in' of the Cabinet decision to allocate Hayesfield School Playing Fields, St Martin's Garden school and open space at Odd Down for commercial development in the Local Plan.

The 'call in' means that another group of councillors, who sit on a Scrutiny Committee can decide to:
a) dismiss the call-in or
b) uphold the call-in and refer the decision back to the Cabinet Member
c) proceed to a second meeting to consider further evidence before determining the outcome
of the call-in.

The call-in meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 3rd October at the Guildhall. Members of the public can speak at the meeting, for not more than 3 minutes. Details from Democratic Services 01225 477000.

The decision by the Cabinet was taken solely on the late recommendation of the Planning Inspector, without consultation or supporting evidence. The decision could mean that the new £2m 'Sure Start' extension to the school will be demolished along with the rest of the school, which also houses the Margaret Coates Unit for Autistic children.

There has been no investigation about whether there is a need for a Superstore in this part of Bath and what the effects would be on the local environment or on shops in the city, in Moorland Road, Odd Down, Southdown, the Bear Flat or in Combe Down.

This call-in is a chance for the Transport Planning and Sustainability Scrutiny Committee to tell the Cabinet to gather more evidence before making such an important decision.