Work Halted on £2.35m Royal Victoria Park Cycle Path After Council Admits Oversight

Work on a controversial £2.35 million cycle path through Bath’s Royal Victoria Park has been paused after Bath & North East Somerset Council admitted it had overlooked a significant objection during the approval process.

Construction began on 19 October, but just three days later, on 22 October, the council revoked the formal order allowing the scheme to go ahead.

The decision follows concerns raised by local residents about the safety, necessity and cost of the proposed route.

What Was Planned?

The cycle lane was intended to form part of a wider 3.7-mile cycling route connecting Weston with Bath city centre.

The proposed section through Royal Victoria Park would run alongside a one-way road with a 10mph speed limit.

However, the plans have attracted criticism from some residents and cyclists, who question whether a dedicated cycle lane is necessary in an area where cycling is already permitted.

Why Has Work Been Stopped?

Bath & North East Somerset Council has acknowledged that a significant objection was missed during the original decision-making process because of what it described as a “technical and administrative oversight”.

As a result, the council has revoked the formal order authorising the cycle lane while the decision is reconsidered.

Councillor Lucy Hodge explained:

“We are putting this right by reviewing the decision, with the previously omitted objection considered alongside all other objections received.”

The council has not yet confirmed when a new decision will be made.

Residents Raise Safety and Cost Concerns

The proposals have prompted opposition from residents, including people who regularly cycle in the area.

Local resident Josephine Vercoe, who joined a protest against the scheme, told the BBC that she was a keen cyclist but had serious concerns about safety.

She questioned the risks of cyclists travelling downhill through the park, particularly where speeds could exceed the existing 10mph limit.

Fourteen-year-old Max Hirst, from Newbridge, also raised concerns about cyclists travelling against the direction of traffic and the potential dangers during wet or slippery conditions.

Other residents have questioned whether the project represents good value for money.

Gerry Scallan, from Fairfield Park, expressed concerns about the impact of the work on the park itself, while cyclist Sevim Sangwell argued that the existing route was already suitable for cycling.

The objections highlight the differing views surrounding the scheme, particularly when it comes to balancing cycling infrastructure, pedestrian safety and the character of one of Bath’s best-known green spaces.

Other Improvement Works Will Continue

Although work on the cycle lane has been paused, the council has confirmed that some other improvements within Royal Victoria Park will continue.

These include work on footways and lighting, which were approved under separate Traffic Regulation Orders.

Councillor Hodge said precautionary measures were being taken to protect tree roots during the installation of new lighting columns, with an arboriculturalist overseeing the work.

What Happens Next?

The council will now reconsider the cycle lane decision, taking account of the objection that was previously missed alongside the other responses received.

Until that review has been completed, the future of the proposed cycle path remains uncertain.

The scheme has raised wider questions about how Bath develops its cycling network while addressing concerns from residents and other park users.

For now, work on the cycle lane is on hold as the council reviews its decision.

This story is based on reporting by BBC journalists Scott Ellis, Clara Bullock and Dawn Limbu.