We want your views on how streets and public spaces are used across Bath & North East Somerset.
Streets and public spaces are used in many different ways by many different people at the same time: walking, trading, eating outside or performing, for example.
We are running three linked consultations to understand how these activities can affect each other, and how we should manage them in a way that is fair, safe and inclusive for everyone.
The three consultations are:
- Street Strategy (overall approach)
- Amenities on the highway (the use of tables, chairs and A-boards, for example)
- Street performance (busking)
These three consultations are separate, but connected. Each focuses on a different activity, but all contribute to a shared goal: creating streets that are accessible, safe, vibrant and well‑managed for everyone who uses them.
Why we're consulting in this way
Streets and public spaces are used by many different activities at the same time. Decisions about one activity can affect others, as well as:
- how easy it is to move around
- accessibility for people with disability
- safety and comfort
- the character and appearance of streets
- economic and cultural vitality
By consulting on the three areas together, we will be able to:
- understand how different activities affect each other
- identify shared issues, such as clutter and accessibility
- avoid fragmented or conflicting policy decisions
- create a clear and consistent approach for managing activity in public spaces
All three consultations form phase one of our Street Strategy. They focus on areas where we as the council have discretion. They emphasise accessibility, safety and inclusivity. The results will inform future decisions taken by council members.
Who we are consulting
We would like residents, visitors and businesses to help shape our Street Strategy by responding to one, two or all three of our consultations.
Have your say
Follow the links below to find out more and take part in each consultation:
Each consultation has its own short survey. They are open for eight weeks until 4pm, Friday 4 September 2026.
What happens next
We will review the feedback alongside evidence and legal duties. We will refine policies and guidance where needed and bring final proposals through the Council’s decision-making process.
We will not look at the consultations on their own. Together, they will inform how we implement our Street Strategy and ultimately how we manage our streets and public spaces.