29/04/2026
The long awaited report by the Council on residents’ responses to the informal consultation for an RPZ in Lambridge has been published.
To read the report in full go to: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/lambridge-area-residents-parking-zone-public-consultation
The Lambridge RPZ proposal generated 739 survey responses. Of these, 79% were against and 16% in favour. There was more support for the zone from those living in the zone itself, with 23% in favour.
Responses raised concerns about the cost of permits, visitor access, the impact of shops and local businesses, and the potential displacement of vehicles onto other streets outside the zone. Residents also expressed a need for a Park & Ride on the east of Bath and better bus services.
Councillors for Lambridge Joanna Wright and Saskia Heijltjes have been repeatedly asked why we progressed with this “informal consultation”. When the Snow Hill and Walcot RPZ was introduced, displaced vehicles impacted local Lambridge residents, who sit adjacent to the zone. We were lobbied by these residents to get support so that they could park near where they live. The Council told us that the only way to support them was to ask for an RPZ for Lambridge.
The Council usually includes a “heat map” in RPZ reports to show where support from residents living in the zone is concentrated, but this consultation report does not include one. This is a serious omission and we have asked the Council to produce this heat map as soon as possible. We will ensure that it is placed in the public domain once it is produced. If the map shows a clear block of support in one area, as councillors we will then speak to the Council about how best to support these residents with the challenges they face.
It is clear that many residents are frustrated by this process, do not have faith in what the Council says it will do, and feel unsupported. As ward councillors we can only agree with you. We too have been frustrated by the terminology used by the council, the lack of involvement and inclusion on what is a very local matter and failure to give us information about when and how the process would be delivered. We have raised a formal complaint.
Lambridge is made up of many communities, each with different needs and priorities, including, but not only, the local businesses. How we come together as one community and allow different points of views is essential. This is why you were all asked to respond to an “informal” consultation.
The RPZ is now clearly on hold and will not be progressing in its present form.
In the short term, local businesses are really threatened by the planning application for a superstore on London Road, and we encourage everyone to object to this submission. Larkhall Square needs to accommodate a range of users who might travel to local shops by bus, bike or car, and everyone continues on foot or wheels to use the pavements and cross the road to get to each shop. How we look to improve this important amenity for all, we would hope is what we work together to put in place.
Please be rest assured that your Lambridge ward councillors are listening, we listen to all and our concern is to make sure Lambridge is a vibrant, well run and kind place to live in, where everyone in the community matters and feels supported.
We will continue to keep the community updated once the Council shares any information with us.
To read the report in full go to: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/lambridge-area-residents-parking-zone-public-consultation
We are inviting you to have your say on a proposal for a new residents' parking zone (RPZ) in Lambridge, Bath and to extend existing Zone 27 into the Grosvenor Place area, south of London Road.
