Bath and North East Somerset Council has creatively transformed a 1990s Mr Whippy-style ice cream van into a mobile consultation hub, branded as the “van with a plan,” to engage residents on its ambitious local housing strategy. The vibrant orange vehicle is touring the district with 56 stops over 18 days, inviting residents to explore and give feedback on a comprehensive 448-page “local plan options document” that will shape development until 2043.
Councilor Matt McCabe, responsible for housing, sustainable development, and the built environment, emphasized the importance of community input: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their say, both in person and online. Look out for the van and check our social media and website for more information.”
The local plan is crucial as it sets the framework for where thousands of new homes could be built to meet the government-mandated target, which has recently doubled. Bath and North East Somerset must plan for over 27,000 new homes by 2043, balancing the urgent need for affordable housing against protecting the region’s unique character and addressing climate and ecological concerns.
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The council has proposed four key development sites: Hicks Gate, Keynsham North, West of Bath, and North of Midsomer Norton. These sites align with the West of England’s growth strategy, aimed at unlocking funding for infrastructure improvements such as new transport interchanges and community facilities.
Key highlights of the proposed sites include:
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Hicks Gate: Envisioned as an “exemplary” development connecting with adjacent Bristol City Council land. The site plans include a green buffer to prevent the merging of Keynsham and Bristol, alongside excellent public transport access.
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Keynsham North: The largest proposed site, located between the railway and the Avon River, would include housing, student accommodation, a primary school, leisure amenities, and potentially expanded river access.
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West of Bath: The council presents this as a cautious option due to potential harm to Bath’s World Heritage status. Development here would need to be of exceptional quality and might incorporate relocation of the Newbridge Park & Ride.
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North of Midsomer Norton: This site, separated from the town by open fields to maintain green vistas, would require road and pathway improvements to support new housing.
In addition to the council’s proposals, the consultation includes numerous developer-led suggestions, such as large-scale housing near Whitchurch, which has sparked local concern over potential urban sprawl.
The consultation runs until November 14, encouraging residents to attend events, engage with the “van with a plan,” and participate online. Village and town councils have also been invited to host their own discussions to ensure broad community involvement.
This innovative approach, using a repurposed ice cream van—rented from marketing agency iMP and known as “Vanessa”—has previously been used for promotional campaigns, demonstrating its versatility in connecting with the public in a friendly, accessible way.
The council stresses that while these development sites have challenges, strategic infrastructure investment will support sustainable growth, helping to alleviate the housing crisis while preserving the area’s environmental and cultural heritage.