Annual Christmas market at Bath Tourism Bureau, Abbey Chambers, City Centre, Bath

The site

The market would occupy central public spaces within Bath’s Conservation Area and World Heritage Site, near listed buildings and heritage assets.

“The site is within the heart of the City of Bath Conservation Area and the wider World Heritage Site, and adjacent to a number of listed buildings.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal complied with relevant policies, delivered substantial public benefits and could mitigate its impacts through conditions.

“Officers note that there has been a significant amount of public interest with regard to this application. A number of people, including local residents support the Christmas Market. However, the concerns raised by third parties, including local residents, have also been considered during the assessment of this planning application.”

“In this case it is considered that the application complies with the relevant planning policies as discussed in the report above is therefore recommended for permission.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Supporters highlighted economic benefits and reduced overcrowding, while objectors cited congestion, public transport, accessibility, noise, heritage and disruption.

“- Extension would increase the negative impacts to residents, businesses and visitors - Traffic and congestion - Public transport is affected, reducing reliability…”

“- Insufficient evidence to show that impacts can be mitigated over an extended period - Noise pollution, vehicle emissions and impact to air quality are contrary to the Council's wider objectives - Disruption for local people - Should be moved away from the city - Traffic and parking concerns - Impact to the historic environment - Lack of accessibility to the town centre for those with disabilities - Under the Equality Act 2010 the council must have due regard to the needs…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the application, and a ward councillor spoke about business certainty, economic benefits, flexibility and event management.

Committee debate

Members discussed business effects, coach parking, event management, accessibility and whether the extended arrangements should have been tested first.

“In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed: 1. The Council’s Events Team was experienced at managing the event and were aware and planned for times when the markets would be particularly busy, e.g., rugby fixtures. 2. In terms of accessibility to the markets for people with sensory impairments, there were stewards available to assist visitors. 3.”

“Cllr Gourley opened the debate and referred to the positive impact on the City and local businesses and acknowledged the work of the Council’s Events Team in managing the event. She moved the officers’ recommendation to permit the application. This was seconded by Cllr Simon who also raised a concern about short-term coach parking arrangements and hoped that the review would be completed in time for the 2027 Christmas market.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to permit was carried with seven votes in favour, one against and one abstention.

“On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (7 in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention).”

Minutes

The decision

The application was permitted subject to the conditions in the report.

“RESOLVED that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes

Main conditions

Conditions limit the market to 25 days and 260 units and require annual construction, traffic, access, Parade Gardens and lighting details.

“4 Traffic and Access Management Plan (Pre-commencement) From the first year this permission is implemented, and then every year thereafter the Christmas Market use shall not commence until a Traffic and Access Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall thereafter be operated in accordance with the approved Traffic Management Plan.”

“6 External Lighting Parade Gardens - Bespoke Trigger No new external lighting related to the provision of the Christmas Market use hereby approved shall be installed within Parade Gardens until full details of the proposed lighting design have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. These details shall include: 1. Lamp models and manufacturer's specifications, positions, numbers, and heights; 2.”

Officer report