What is the Local Plan?
Bath & North East Somerset (BaNES) Council is developing and consulting on its Local Plan Options. The Local Plan is a strategy and framework that outlines how Bath will grow over the next 15-20 years.
Why the Local Plan Matters to Students:
The Local Plan will influence:
- Where student accommodation is built
- Housing affordability and availability
- Transport links and sustainability
- Opportunities for jobs and enterpise
What has the Students' Union done?
The Students’ Union has submitted a detailed response to the council on four proposals that could have the biggest impact on students:
- Sulis Club – The Sulis Club is University of Bath owned sports facilities. The council are proposing removing it from the protected green belt and building Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
- HMO Conversion – Stricter rules on HMOs, consequently limiting supply.
- Claverton Down Expansion – new on-campus accommodation for students.
- Bath Quays Development – regeneration as a research and employment hub.
Read our submission.
What’s next?
This is just the first stage. There will be a second round of consultation in Spring/Summer of 2026, and we’ll be collecting student feedback to make sure your voice shapes the future of Bath.
This Local Plan will impact students over the next decade and a half, our voice and comments is crucial in shaping the future of this city as we make up over 30% of the population. Watch this space for more updates and how you can get involved.
Benji, Sam, Sanya, Angus, Izzy and Helen - SU Officers