Bath MP Don Foster has vowed to continue to fight the controversial proposed-BRT route, after it passed through B&NES Council’s Development Control Committee at the third attempt.

The BRT is now subject to an Article 14 declaration, which means that Secretary of State John Denham will decide whether or not to call for a public inquiry into the scheme. Don said,

In many ways last week saw a sad day for local democracy, the Conservative Cabinet have just forced this scheme back to the planning committee until they got the result they wanted.

Local people must be understandably worried as to how this decision has been reached, especially after public letters from the Department for Transport and Government Office of the South West. However, it is still possible that we can overturn this decision, as John Denham will have to cast his eye over the proposals first.

Cllr Gerry Curran (Lib Dem, Twerton), the Liberal Democrat lead on Development Control, commented, “I will continue to oppose this unwanted scheme.

At each planning meeting to discuss the BRT, the Council has had to back down over a number of claims. They will now readily admit that it will do nothing to reduce congestion or pollution. It is just a waste of tax payers’ money, to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.

Local Lib Dems will be adding their voice to those calling for a public inquiry into this proposal, and will be writing to John Denham shortly.

What we really need is work to improve the Lower Bristol Road, such as the widening that has been promised for years. This would actually help to reduce congestion in Bath.