Issue - meetings

Agreed implementation of single DPPP on Browns Lane (outside the Co-op Store)

Undertake consultation on the removal of the current DPPP space on Pooles Lane as soon as possible.

On 12 June 2014 and following consideration of objections received as a result of a formal consultation on proposals to introduce two new Disabled Persons’ Parking Places in Charlbury, West Oxfordshire District the Cabinet Member for Environment had approved implementation of the proposed space on Market Street as advertised but, having listened to concerns expressed at the meeting, deferred the proposal to introduce a disabled persons’ parking place on Browns Lane to enable further consideration and a visit to the site.

He also considered further written representations from:

Amanda Epps,  Resident, Charlbury, who expressed disappointment that County Council officers were recommending that the needs of the able bodied had priority over those of Blue Badge holders in the issue of disabled bays outside the Coop store in Enstone Road.  She found it particularly distressing that even the single bay now proposed would have to wait for the lengthy process of removing the bay on Playing Close to be completed.  It had been almost 2 years since she had suggested this provision and it seemed the disabled in Charlbury would have to wait another 2 years to have the same shopping facility as their counterparts in other towns and villages. She suspected that the County Council’s attitude to the disadvantaged in society was in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act and she intended to contact her MP, David Cameron on the matter. She hoped the Cabinet Member would ignore the advice given and allow the original proposal with the proviso that the bay on the Playing Close be removed as soon as possible.

County Councillor Rodney Rose (Charlbury & Wychwood) fully supported the introduction of a single disabled parking space on Brown’s Lane, Charlbury but that that should not be subject to consultation to remove the existing disabled persons parking place on Pooles Lane. That should be undertaken separately.

Mr Tole referred to 2 further representations.  The first from Charlbury Town Council who supported the disabled bays as originally proposed and also  retention of the bay at Playing Close, which was regularly used by elderly residents and others generally for short periods.  The second from David Moyes who questioned the need for the space in Playing Close and expressed the view that residents were likely to accept a space outside the Co-op, albeit not ideal, if that were removed.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him, the representations made to him by the local member and the further considerations set out above the Cabinet Member confirmed his decision as follows:

(a)          approve a single Disabled Persons Parking Place on Brown’s Lane (outside the Co-op store);

(b)          request officers to carry out a consultation to remove the Disabled Persons Parking Place in Poole’s Lane.