The Committee considered responses to formal consultation of proposals to amend waiting restrictions on lengths of various roads in Henley-on-Thames.
Mr Tytler (Deanfield Road) supported the status quo and asked the Committee not to make the advertised change. Residents were happy with daytime parking which they felt helped to deter crime.
Moira Hankinson (Northfield End) asked for Northfield End to be excluded and the opportunity taken to find a long term solution such as residents parking. Current parking arrangements were supported by established use and there was no alternative parking.
James Vaughan (Upton Close) considered parking in Henley-on-Thames was an asset to the community and should be available throughout the day. The whole scheme was flawed and arrangements should be made to review the whole scheme in conjunction with the Business Partnership and all other relevant parties. No alternative parking existed and the proposals would inevitably have a knock on effect on local businesses.
Viv Greenwood (West Street) supported the status quo in respect of Hop Gardens where she parked. The was no alternative such as resident parking available and prevention of commuter parking would be a mistake.
Mr Brockway (Deanfield Road) asked for retention of parking restrictions outside his property 20 Deanfield Road in order to retain freedom from noise, rubbish and anti social behaviour.
Councillor David Nimmo-Smith referred to historic problems in Henley-on-Thames and supported the majority of the proposals. However, he supported calls for a more equitable solution for Northfield End and specifically the request made by Mr Brockway in Deanfield Road.
Mr Bowler referred to further correspondence from Mrs S C Silburn regarding Deanfield Road and her opposition to the proposals; Mr Bennell and Mr Davidson. He also advised that the Police had stated that they would enforce parking restrictions in Henley and therefore the informal arrangements referred to by some residents would cease.
The Committee thanked the members of the public for their submissions. There were a number of obvious concerns and where possible the Committee had recognised those by agreeing a number of minor amendments as reflected in the resolution below. However, anything more fundamental than that would require a major reconsultation, which would go against the support as expressed from the Police and the Town Council for the majority of the proposals.
RESOLVED: to
(a) approve the making of the Henley-on-Thames Amendments to Waiting Restrictions Order as published in respect of Crisp Road, Deanfield Road, Goodall Close, Hop Gardens, Laud’s Close, Leaver Road, Luker Avenue, Mount View, New Street, Northfield End, Simmons Road, St. Andrew’s Road, St. Anne’s Close, Thames Side and Tilebarn Close;
(b) not approve the proposals in respect of Deanfield Avenue and Upton Close; and
(c) authorise the works necessary to implement the Order.