At a packed and heated meeting in the evening of Tuesday 17th June 2008, the residents of the London Road voiced their opposition to Somer's proposals. Colin Darracott, Liberal Democrat, chairing the meeting, opened the meeting with: “Welcome all, this is the best attended PACT meeting, to date, in Bath.” A representative of Somer arrived late to take part in the debate. Campaigners deplore the absence of a competent Somer representative to handle the host of very valid questions. We also deplore the absence of anybody from B&NES Housing & Social Services.
Click HERE for the minutes of the meeting. Click HERE for an audio recording. The recording is divided into 20 parts in total.
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Here are important points to note:
- New architectural plans are to be proposed by Somer, this time they will be published on line in a matter of one week., by 24th June 2008.
- Hayley Austin, Development Manager did not attend the PACT meeting. The local community were disappointed and angry by this complete disregard of the local views. She is paid to take part in this meeting to consult with the wider community where people here are taking time for this meeting from their own leisure and family to be present.
- The Somer representative, replacing Hayley Austin was unable to respond to public questions. He said “I have no idea” to practically every question.
- Chairman Colin Darracott, for the Council, maintained it is a planning issue to be objected to when planning consent is sought by Somer. “Nonsense!” responded the audience. The fundamental objection is the choice of the location. A speaker from the floor said that Somer is not able to run the hostel already in existence. “You build on success not failure. Caroline House is already a failure!” This was met by a round of applause. Part 4 of the audio recording.
- Not surprisingly the location was unanimously deemed unsuitable by the residents.
- There was discussion of the dangers to children in the area, including traffic, pollution, drug dealing and other crime. It was pointed out that Somer has no Child Protection Policy. There was also no response from Somer to ensure the safety of children accommodated in the hostel. Part 9 of the audio recording.
- Chairman Colin Darracott said the following, on why the Council supports a project that does not respect the Bath Local Plan “Yes, it is bending the rules, all plans are there to be deviated from”. Residents need to ask if this is a new B&NES policy. Part 12 of the audio recording.
- Why are council properties being sold at below the market rate to big companies, possibly to be later disposed of for huge profits? A hostel like the one that is proposed, existed at Green Park. The council closed it and sold it. We wonder what is the prime motivation – getting extra money? Perhaps this is a matter for review by the district auditor. Part 4, 8 and 12 of the audio recording.
- The report drawn up in 2005 was damning in its condemnation of Somer’s and Bath Self Help's management of this site, there was no follow up, and Caroline House was graded D, possibly the worst in Bath. Part 14 of the audio recording or read the 2005 report
- The Police have not been able to assess the “knock on effect” of such a proposal and no contingency plans have been drawn up. The Police admit that "the more people you fit in, the more problems you get. This leads to delays in response time and subsequent difficulties". Part 9 of the audio recording.- Complaints were expressed about the lack of police involvement at the Longacre Tavern and its vicinity. When called, the police are slow to respond, and on many occasions they do not bother to address the issue. Part 16 of the audio recording.
- People asked for clarification of the relationship between Somer and Bath Self Help. Somer representative claimed at first that "Bath Self-Help" is not a part of Somer, but when challenged admitted that it is in a fact a division of Somer. No response was given in respect of queries related to a service level agreement. Part 15 of the audio recording.
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Members of the community, who had taken the trouble to come to the meeting, were disgusted by the absence of response. One resident commented, "this is typical of Somer’s arrogant attitude to this part of Bath. We are concerned about the people in our community who are ‘vulnerable’ and this plan makes no sense. There must be more in it than meets the eye for Somer to want to do this".
For media articles and comments from readers click on
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Yes! Let’s bring more crack and heroine dealers to Snow Hill. There is a big enough problem there already without making it worse. Not to mention how close to Morrisons` it is; so they can go and buy their booze. These 'rehabilitation' centres should be away from all the facilities that put these people where they are in the first place. They need DETOX not RETOX! Bert, Bath …In theory, I would therefore applaud the news that plans are afoot to open a homeless centre in Bath. However, I wholeheartedly condemn the proposed location, near the site of the brutal and, as yet, unsolved murder of Paul Kelly. Vulnerable individuals should not be placed at risk and disadvantaged by being sent to live in potentially threatening and dangerous areas… Sue Bond, Bath
… What a pleasant place it will be to live, but who cares about the residents eh? This is just the icing on the cake of soaring council tax and mismanagement of public money… George, London Road, Bath
Somer's "extensive consultation process", which has largely consisted of displaying incomprehensible plans and not telling anyone about them, and completely ignoring residents' comments, has been going on for nearly a year now and has blighted the lives of those who would be affected by this ridiculous scheme. Why cram yet another building onto a public garden, one of the few remaining bits of green space in this area? This scheme will bring nothing to the area and neither will it do any favours to those who are to be housed there. AL, Thomas Street
At a packed and heated meeting in the evening of Tuesday 17th June 2008, the residents of the 
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