The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “B”)considers objections and other proposals suggested in response to the formal advertisement of amendments to the Off–Street Parking Places Consolidation Order 2015.

Recommended -

That the objections are overruled and the Off-street Parking Places Consolidation Order 2015 is amended to incorporate the changes highlighted in Appendix A to Document “B” – ‘Second Schedule, Off-Street Parking Places’.

(Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee)              

(Louise Williams – 01274 431066)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “B”)considered objections and other proposals suggested in response to the formal advertisement of amendments to the Off–Street Parking Places Consolidation Order 2015.

An Ilkley Ward Councillor attended the meeting and expressed reservations about the proposal regarding Ilkley Lido and the effect on neighbouring facilities such as the Olicanian Cricket Club and surrounding streets.

The Leader of the Opposition Group attended the meeting and contended that the proposals were detrimental to individuals and businesses.  He expressed  the view of his Group that car parking should be free but limited to the first two hours.  He considered that the £13,000 additional income generated by the proposals was not significant.  He questioned why the Authority was imposing charges when others were removing them and referred to areas where parking was free.  He was of the opinion the cost of overnight parking would discourage people from travelling to Bingley for the night time economy.

The Leader stressed that the proposals were consulted on as part of the 2017-18 budget and that no objections had been raised by his Group.  She noted that if all of the parking revenue in the district was foregone then it would have to be replaced with something else.  She added that the charges were being introduced because the Government  had reduced the Revenue Support Grant.  She emphasised that decisions were being implemented for the whole of the district and not just part of it.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder stated that the Authority had been open about why the charges were being introduced because of reductions in Government funding and that the proposals were part of becoming self financing and sustainable.  He noted that Bradford had the lowest parking charges in the area and that increasing charges in the past had not affected the levels of usage.  Free parking would not pay for the necessary parking enforcement.

The Strategic Director, Place noted that discussions had been taking place with  Olicanian Cricket Club since 2016 and that a meeting had been held with them in the previous 2 weeks during with discussions had taken place regarding the possibility of creating a parking area and providing permits for the club.  He stressed that the scheme for the Ilkley Lido would not become enforceable during the current Lido season.  He added that it would be possible to introduce a discount scheme for users of the Lido without discouraging visitors to the Lido.  

The Healthy People and Places Portfolio Holder noted the continued good working relationship with the Friends of Ilkley Lido and Friends of St Ives.

The Leader noted that members of the Executive had received email correspondence from the groups referred to by the Ward Councillor and that discussions with them would continue up to implementation of the proposals.

Resolved -

That the objections are overruled and the Off-street Parking Places Consolidation Order 2015 is amended to incorporate the changes highlighted in Appendix A to Document “B” – ‘Second Schedule, Off-Street Parking Places’.

ACTION:        Strategic Director Place

Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee