Bath’s Guildhall has been officially permitted to continue flying the “progress” pride flag, following a positive ruling from council planners.
Bath and North East Somerset Council applied for retrospective planning permission to display the flag from a flagpole atop the Guildhall during events that commemorate or celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. While some flags, such as national flags and the traditional six-striped rainbow pride flag, do not require planning permission, most others do.
In its application, submitted to its own planning department, the council stated: “The Guildhall stands as a symbol of civic pride, representing both the city of Bath and the wider council area. Like many other civic bodies, Bath & North East Somerset Council has a longstanding tradition of flying flags to mark national unity, local identity, and significant events or visits.
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“The council has flown the rainbow flag for many years during occasions such as LGBT+ History Month and Pride Month, as a visible sign of inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ communities. Recently, many organisations have adopted the progress pride flag.
“Designed in 2018, the progress pride flag incorporates the original rainbow flag with an added chevron featuring black, brown, light blue, pink, and white stripes. These additional colors represent historically marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community, including black and minority ethnic communities and transgender people. The flag also includes a purple circle on a yellow background representing intersex individuals.
“As with many other councils, Bath & North East Somerset Council proposes to fly the progress pride flag during relevant LGBTQ+ commemorative and celebratory events.”
The proposal received mixed responses from the public: 25 people opposed, some describing the flag as “inflammatory and divisive” or claiming it excluded non-LGBTQ+ individuals. However, support was more than double, with 53 people voicing endorsement for the flag’s presence on the Guildhall.
Supporters commented: “Bath is a progressive modern city, and the flag would demonstrate this,” and “We cannot let intolerance become acceptable.”
While the Union Jack is traditionally flown from the Guildhall’s central flagpole, a secondary flagpole is often used for flags such as Armed Forces’ Day, the pride flag during Pride Month, and, recently, the Ukrainian flag as a gesture of solidarity following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Council planning decisions are made based on planning policies rather than political or moral views. Although part of the council, the planning department operates independently and has, on occasion, refused planning permission to the council itself.
Importantly, planning officers assess the potential impact on equalities. Addressing concerns that flying the progress pride flag might exclude non-LGBTQ+ people, the officers noted: “The progress flag incorporates the original pride flag alongside additional colors and symbols representing historically marginalized groups. The flag will only be flown on appropriate occasions.
“Increased visibility and representation of these groups can promote equality of opportunity, foster good relations, tackle prejudice, and improve understanding between communities. Pride events such as Bath Pride are open to all members of the public, regardless of LGBTQ+ identity.
“Upon assessment, the Local Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposal complies with the Equalities Act 2010 and fulfills its public sector equality duties.”
Concluding their evaluation, planning officers confirmed: “The proposal complies with relevant planning policies and legislation.” As a result, Bath’s Guildhall will continue to proudly display the progress pride flag as a symbol of inclusivity and community celebration.