Two Tunnels Greenway

A new shared path for Bath and North East Somerset

Two Tunnels Shared Path - minutes from the meeting of the ttg/bathnes/sustrans working group held at the Guildhall, Bath, on 5 dec 06 - main points and actions

Attendees:

BathNES

Cllr Gitte Dawson (Chair); Adrian Clarke; John Price.

Sustrans

John Grimshaw

TTG

Mark Annand; Frank Tompson (Secretary)

1. Welcome

The Chair welcomed everyone, in particular Adrian Clarke, recently appointed Traffic and Transport Manager within the BathNES Transport and Highways section, and hoped that he might represent the Council on the working group, given John Price's impending departure.

2. Review of main points and actions from the 6 Sep 06 meeting

These are recorded under agenda item headings.

3. Feasibility Study

Although not necessarily quite what others might have been expecting to see, the preliminary discussion draft was in a format that Sustrans had successfully used to gain planning permission for similar projects. JG had not considered some of the BathNES comments to be helpful and in some cases they were inaccurate. This was a complex project and it was essential that those involved were positive and well motivated if success was to be ensured. Following discussion it was agreed that a strong spirit of partnership still existed and that with the right approach the project could still proceed with a good chance of success.

One important aspect was to have clear lines of responsibility for the design of the scheme between Sustrans and the Council's Design Group. Comments from the latter may be useful from time to time but design responsibility should rest with the party taking responsibility for a particular section of the route and cross-consultation used sparingly and courteously.

Along with Transport, the BathNES Parks Department were considered a key player, plus Education and Tourism.

Action: GD to ensure they are aware and supportive.

It was agreed in principle that BathNES should have responsibility for the stretch from the Bath-Bristol path to the Devonshire Tunnel western portal. Sustrans would be responsible for Devonshire tunnel to Midford.

JG commented on the fact that Sustrans generally managed to complete projects within budget and often at lower cost than could be obtained by a local authority. He suggested that the most cost-effective way of developing the whole route might be for Sustrans to take charge - which they would be prepared to do - at a fixed price, given an agreed scheme.

Next Steps - Sustrans would meet with BathNES technical team and TTG to address any potential issues before submitting the planning application. The current document would be re-issued, including the TTG logo.

Actions: JG to re-issue document; JG and AC to arrange meeting.

GD suggested that copies of this very impressive document should be sent to all councillors affected.

Action: GD to provide JG with addresses; JG to send.

4. Feasibility Study - discussion of 'preliminary discussion draft'

The preliminary discussion draft document was discussed at some length. It was recognised that this was a very useful basis for discussion, full of practical suggestions and interesting ideas. Individual issues are not all recorded here but included the following main points and actions:

Regarding links to the Bath-Bristol path, including WRD (FS points 1-4), JG requested a note confirming that that element of the feasibility study would be taken up by BathNES at the appropriate time and with the appropriate Planning Authority.

Action: AC/GD

The greatest BathNES challenge was considered to be the installation of the two bridges over Monksdale Road and Dartmouth Avenue with their associated earthworks, which would need to be conducted in dry weather, probably Sep/Oct 08.

Sustrans would be responsible for Devonshire tunnel western earthwork/ramp/regrading requirements.

Devonshire Tunnel (northern end) drain infill

Action: MA to advise JG of any evidence of drainage (including photographic) construction, in support of the belief that there is no issue to resolve.

All North Wiltshire former railway bridges were now under Sustrans repair and maintenance control. JG suggested that BathNES may wish to consider a similar arrangement for their tunnels and bridges, including the Two Tunnels Route (incorporating Lyncombe Vale) and the Bath to Bristol path.

Action: AC

JG had met with the Cemeteries Director who had indicated that a route through to Oldfield Park was likely to be supported.

GD undertook to determine the dates of BathNES planning committees to ensure Two Tunnels applications are submitted at the appropriate time.

Action: GD

Bridge over the Bath-Bristol Railway Line (FS point 15). There is a gas main near either end of bridge.

Action: TTG to investigate the depth so that the potential depth of levelling can be determined.

We need to establish if a new school is being built at FS points 37-39 - This could impact on support for the path as a safe route to school.

Action: GD

The path exit at FS point 50 needs clarification. It may be better to exit from the opposing cul-de-sac (adjacent to FS point 46). Alternatively it may be better to omit this exit altogether.

Action: TTG to take some photos and advise.

The best 'over-the-top' route from the western side to the eastern side of Devonshire Tunnel is not clear FS point 51-57.

Action: TTG to photograph, and advise the optimum solution.

Tunnel lighting (£250k estimate) would be provided in part by LEDs that illuminated and tracked with movement. A national grid connection would be required to meet full power requirements. This could be achieved before mine workings at Firs Field are complete (FS Point 65). It was noted that this would not require anything like 10Mw assumed by the Design Group as only a proportion of the lights would ever be on at any one time.

Good relations continued with the owners of the land outside the southern exit to the Combe Down tunnel to Tucking Mill viaduct and the viaduct itself. (Further details omitted for reasons of commercial confidentiality.)

Mr Briggs owns the path below Midford Castle (FS Points 81-5) and was understood not to be favourably disposed towards cycling.

Action: GD to visit Mr Briggs as one of her Ward constituents.

The approach junction with (Lyncombe Vale) Perrymead/Ralph Allen Drive/Church St requires further examination to see if it can be improved for walkers/cyclists.

Action: AC

5. Funding

JG estimated the overall project cost as some £2M. 50-60% of the funding would come from Sustrans via the Big Lottery People's Millions' bid - assuming that Connect2 wins. This would amount to £1-1.2M, leaving BathNES and other sources to provide some £0.8M. JP felt that the project cost was severely underestimated. JG suggested several other sources that might be approached for funding.

Action: AC to explore further, jointly with GD

The quotation for the two Linear Park bridges was for two Warren Truss proprietary bridges from Nusteel.

The BathNES Integrated Transport budget for 2007 - thought to be in the region of £2M - was due to be announced shortly, and might provide a funding stream.

Action: GD and AC to check

To keep costs down a work camp might be convened in summer 08 to build the main path.

A public subscription might also be considered as per the Clevedon Pier project with eg individuals purchasing one of the tunnel lights.

6. Short term timetable

As best it can currently be forecast (dates are 2007):

• Early Jan - Two Tunnels planning application submitted
• Jan-Apr - planning application considered by BathNES
• 19 Jan to end Apr - Sustrans determines which projects (about 70 in total) across the country are to be included in the Connect2 bid. NB: there was no assurance that the Two Tunnels project would be included. However, if current levels of commitment and support were maintained it stood a good chance of inclusion.
• End Apr - Two Tunnels planning consent obtained
• Jun - Sustrans interview process by Big Lottery representatives
• Oct - television vote (which hopefully Connect2 will win!) with cash allocated shortly thereafter.

Overall implementation of the Connect2 project would be over 5 years. However, completion of Two Tunnels Phase 1 might be achievable within 18 months from start. Phase 1 could be from the Riverside to Lyncombe Vale through Devonshire Tunnel, and Phase 2 to Midford through Combe Down Tunnel. However, this would leave the bulk of the difficult work in Phase 1 including all the earthworks. JG would therefore favour a continuous programme, Jan 08 - May 09 to complete the whole. This would fit into 3 financial years for matched funding.

7. Western Riverside Development and adjacent area

FT had arranged a meeting with Debbie Applin, the Crest Nicolson, Development Manager for WRD on 9 Jan 07 at 16.30 in Bath. Post meeting note: Time now 17.30 - venue is Dome Room, with GD attending/facilitating access. Potential synergies and overlaps would be discussed, including possible entry to WRD via a bridge over Brook Road. BathNES and Sustrans are invited to be represented.

Actions: GD to arrange a council office to meet. FT to locate and circulate available site maps highlighting planned cycle/pedestrian areas within WRD.

8. Bats

'Sustrans' retained ecologists, Michael Woods Associates, have conducted two of a number of surveys needed to find out just what use bats make of the tunnels. There are two available options.

1. Not to construct the path because the tunnels are too important a feature for bats to permit any sort of disturbance as the species here are particularly rare and protected by European legislation.
2. To construct suitable roosts inside the tunnels so that human use of the tunnels will not cause them any disturbance.

Bats will certainly be conditioned in any planning approval that action will have to be taken to accommodate them. Any work here will also require a licence from Natural England and if that organisation is not satisfied that the problem has been adequately mitigated, notwithstanding the fact that planning approval has been given, without a licence no work can take place.

9. TTG revised leaflet

5,000 had been produced and copies were passed to Working Group members for distribution as appropriate. More are available should they be required. Another print run would eventually be made when this batch had run out.

10. Potential changes to this Working Group

Sustrans had advised the Big Lottery that each component project within Connect2 would include a Steering Group responsible for delivery of that part of the overall project. It was proposed, and accepted, that Two Tunnels would do likewise. In addition to TTG/Sustrans/BathNES, the Steering Group should include prominent local community figures such as a school headmaster, a businessman and a local newspaper editor to ensure good publicity.

Action: GD, as a first step to speak with the Headmaster of Monkton Combe School. He should also be invited to get his students to undertake a study of the history of the area with its rich industrial/geological/environmental heritage. GD also to approach the editor of the Bath Chronicle.

The function of the Steering Group is to take over the ownership and delivery of the project. If detailed working groups on some technical subjects are required they should answer to the Steering Group.

11. Press Release

A press release was not considered appropriate at this time but would be made in mid-Jan 07 immediately after the announcement of the 'long list' for Connect2.

Action: GD to contact Mike Service of 'Friends of Firs Field' to ascertain progress on that project as they are complementary; and to explore potential for a joint press release.

12. AOB

Sustrans intended to pursue a path along the Cam Valley to Chew Valley Lake that would link with the Two Tunnels path. All agreed this would be an excellent development and that it should receive full support in order to further generate reserves for following the Two Tunnels project.

To supplement the normal planning process, consultation would take the form of a public display/presentation, perhaps in the BRLSI at around the end of Feb 07.

Action: GD to explore with BRLSI (as she is a trustee)

Following discussion it was agreed that the title 'Two Tunnels Greenway' would be adopted.

Sustrans was planning to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a cycle ride from Bristol to Swansea next year, culminating in a ride through the Combe Down tunnel late afternoon on Fri 6 Jul.

Charles Clark had been asked to chair the Connect2 annual conference to be held in Derry in Sep 07. A Connect2 website will be introduced that will link with constituent project websites.

Consideration should be given to the longer-term support for the Two Tunnels route. This might include public subscription and business sponsorship. Rangers may be found from supporters.

Action: TTG to consider

This was John Price's last TT meeting as he was leaving the Council to pursue is publishing interests. The Chair thanked John for his coordinating work on this project and all wished him well for the future.

13. Date and location of next meeting

6 or 13 Mar 07 depending on Council Planning Application dates. Post-meeting note from GD: The Council has two regional and one main planning committee. This application extends into the areas of both regional committees (Bath and outside Bath) so will probably have to be considered at the main Development Control Committee. Its next scheduled meeting after 17 Jan is on 25 Apr - probably too late for our purposes. There are known to be other major applications that need to be heard by that committee, so additional dates are likely to be scheduled.

Action: GD to keep an eye and inform members once meeting dates fixed.

Next meeting provisionally booked for Mon 5 Mar 07, in the Dome Room, Guildhall.

22 Dec 06: Frank Tompson, Secretary

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