Agenda item

Forward Plan Ref: 2014/166

Contact: Owen Jenkins,  Highways, Transport & Waste Service Manager Tel: (01865) 323304

Report by Director for Environment & Economy (CMDE4).

The report considers objections to a formal consultation on proposals to introduce or amend parking restrictions in several streets in parts of Burford.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED toapprove the proposed parking restrictions for Burford as advertised and amended as described in the report. 

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE4) objections received to a formal consultation on proposals to introduce or amend parking restrictions in several streets in parts of Burford.

Mr Histon a resident for 10 years confirmed that whilst he did not object to the technical aspects of the proposal he had grave concerns regarding the potential effect on Burford as a small town. Burford would be seriously disadvantaged if it was treated in the same way as larger towns such as Witney as it did not have high levels of alternative parking available. Such a comparison was wholly inappropriate.  There were 2 small car parks both in the flood plain which were inadequate and poorly served.  Reductions in the level of available parking would have a considerable impact on Burford where there were already currently 6 empty shops. Charges for parking would be detrimental to local trade and any changes should reflect and enhance the natural pace of a small town like Burford.

Mr White the Mayor of Burford speaking on behalf of the Town Council stated that Burford largely relied on visitors to the town and any move which might further discourage that needed to be considered carefully and he highlighted  the current number of empty shops as testament to that.  A compromise proposal submitted by the town council to serve the interests of both traders and residents had not been referred to in the officer report. He considered the restriction in Swan Lane completely unnecessary and one that the town council opposed.

Simon Marshall supported retention of the status quo on the High Street and that the proposed three hour limited waiting should not proceed.  He saw no real objection to the proposals in other areas but highlighted potential for conflict due to congestion at the exit of Witney Street onto the High Street.

Mr Tole confirmed that these proposals had been triggered by development at the top of the town, which had provided some finance but it was clear that there was a divergence of views in the town on the best way forward. The main focus had clearly been on proposals to limit parking on the Hill with a lot of responses received objecting to that element. As a result the proposals on High Street had been relaxed and that amendment had been reflected in the report.

With regard to the junction of Witney Street with High Street no change was being proposed because of a need to accommodate delivery vehicles.

With regard to Swan Lane again there had been a divergence of views with strong comments for and against additional restrictions. The officer view remained that the restrictions should proceed as advertised in order to alleviate the passage of wider vehicles.

The overall effect of the proposals in total had been fairly neutral on gains and losses and efforts had been made to balance the needs of residents and visitors alike.

Responding to the Cabinet Member with regard to High Street and Lower High Street he confirmed the view that the most appropriate way forward now was to maintain the status quo and that realistically with current levels of enforcement it would make little difference if the restriction was for 2 or 3 hours.

The Cabinet Member recognised the particular situation in Burford which, as a medieval town, had not been built with the motor car in mind. Therefore he was minded to approve the amended restrictions as set out in the report.  With regard to Swan Lane and Pytts lane he was not convinced that the proposals there represented the best solution and so was minded to defer those proposals for the time being and reconsider the matter in the light of restrictions introduced elsewhere in the town. Therefore having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him, the representations made to him and the further considerations set out above he confirmed his decision as follows:

to approve the proposed parking restrictions for Burford as advertised and amended as described in the report CMDE4 except for the proposed restrictions on Swan Lane (east of Pytts Lane) which should not proceed at this stage but kept under review. 

Signed……………………………...

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date…………………………………