The report of the Strategic Director of Place (Document “AH”)updates the Executive on the progress of the Ilkley parking review.  It also details the findings from the recent public consultation on the proposed parking controls which have been developed in response to the key recommendations of the parking review, the costs of the implementation and the issues associated with the introduction.  The report also seeks approval from Executive to progress with the introduction.

Recommended -

(1)       That the Executive notes the findings of the Public Consultation

(2)       That Executive notes and endorses the proposals as developed as the first phase of enhancements resulting from the Ilkley Parking Review

(Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

                                                            (Simon D’Vali – 01535 618375)

The report of the Strategic Director of Place (Document “AH”)updated the Executive on the progress of the Ilkley parking review.  It also detailed the findings from the recent public consultation on the proposed parking controls which had been developed in response to the key recommendations of the parking review, the costs of implementation and the issues associated with its introduction.  The report also sought approval from Executive to progress with its introduction.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder introduced the report and advised members that consultation was still taking place on the proposals.  The Strategic Director advised that officers were in the process of visiting businesses to discuss the proposals and hear their concerns.

The Leader asked how confident officers were that the proposals would help alleviate  parking problems in Ilkley.  The Strategic Director responded that at present there was not enough  on street parking and that commuters were parking in residential streets for a substantial length of time that was inconveniencing residents.  The introduction of residents permit parking and managing commuter parking on street and in council car parks was being explored.  Officers were confident that this would deal with specific issues raised but that there may be an overspill as a result and that officers needed to be ready to react once the orders were implemented.

The Leader referred to a representation that had been received from a local business through a Ward Councillor asking about the parking provision for businesses and employees.  The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder undertook to reply to the letter.

The Strategic Director confirmed that spaces could be allocated to businesses and staff and that with careful management their needs could be met.  He confirmed that other business parking schemes operated in the district.

A Ward Councillor attended the meeting and welcomed the continued discussions on the proposals.  She was pleased to note the provision of on street parking between 10am and 4pm weekdays.  She was concerned that the impact of the proposals may move the problem from one residential area to another.  She referred to the provision of disabled parking places at Ben Rhydding car park and the Ben Rhydding Conservation Area.  She referred to the need to involve Ward Councillors with local knowledge of the area. 

Another Ward Councillor attended the meeting and referred to the need for a whole town review of parking and added that the survey only covered the town centre.  He contended that no consideration had been given to where the overspill would go and that residents did not know how much permits would cost.  He added that flexibility should be  built into the scheme to take into consideration other key issues such West Yorkshire Combined Authority  proposals regarding Ben Rhydding railway station.

The Strategic Director noted that the permit scheme would cover a wider area than initially considered, however it was not known how far people were prepared to walk from their parking place.  He added that migration to surrounding streets would be monitored as the scheme was implemented.  He noted that discussions were on going regarding land use at Ben Rhydding and disabled car parking would be taken into consideration during this process. He confirmed that Ward Councillors would be updated about the discussions with the Combined Authority regarding Ben Rhydding railway station.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder concluded that the proposals would assist in alleviating issues regarding commuter parking in residential areas and provide a consistent approach regarding business parking.  He added that 2,900 parking permits would be issued, disabled access to the town centre would be provided and that the consultation that had taken place had been valuable in informing the proposals.

Resolved -

(1)       That the findings of the Public Consultation be noted.

(2)       That the proposals as developed as the first phase of enhancements resulting from the Ilkley Parking Review be noted and endorsed.

Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee

ACTION:        Strategic Director of Place