Labour councillors in Bath and North East Somerset Council are calling for a thorough assessment of the economic implications tied to Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status. They argue that the council’s current approach prioritizes preserving UNESCO recognition over addressing the pressing need for new homes.
The central government has mandated that the council must build 27,000 homes by 2043. However, the Liberal Democrat-led council’s local plan proposes concentrating most new housing outside Bath to protect the historic city’s UNESCO designation. Bath’s World Heritage Site status specifically highlights its unique positioning within a “hollow in the hills,” and officials fear significant suburban expansion could jeopardize this status.
Robin Moss, leader of the Labour opposition and councillor for Westfield, expressed disappointment with the strategy. He criticized the plan for sidelining the housing needs of Bath’s residents, stating: “Our economy needs homes and jobs. This plan suggests we can’t build the homes Bath people require because of UNESCO status.”
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The council has faced calls from surrounding areas to reconsider Bath’s UNESCO listing to accommodate more housing. For instance, Saltford parish councillor Phil Harding proposed relinquishing the status earlier this year—a suggestion firmly rejected by housing cabinet member Matt McCabe as a “non-starter.”
In response, the Labour group demands a comprehensive analysis of both the benefits and drawbacks of UNESCO inscriptions within B&NES. They also urge the council to commit to delivering the homes, particularly affordable ones, that Bath’s population needs.
Concerns extend to the council’s new movement strategy, which Labour criticizes for lacking a robust public transport framework. Moss warns such policies risk turning Bath into “a city mainly for wealthy commuters, students, and tourists,” rather than supporting long-term residents.
Highlighting the housing challenges, Moss notes the city’s 23,000-strong student population currently occupies many private rentals, with projected growth of 7,300 students. This trend contributes to rising rents and housing shortages for ordinary residents, exacerbating community divisions and inequality.
The council has taken steps such as proposing restrictions on converting three-bedroom family homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to curb student housing pressures. Additionally, B&NES has initiated its first council housing developments in over two decades through the £12 million B&NES Homes program, converting unused buildings into social housing. Nevertheless, the bulk of affordable housing still depends on developer contributions tied to larger developments.
Cllr McCabe has criticized government housing targets as inflexible, stating they are based on a “clunky calculator” that does not reflect Bath’s unique circumstances. He emphasized the need for a tailored approach to housing policy that respects the city’s heritage and community needs alike.