Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director, Regeneration and Economic Development regarding a proposal to introduce a resident’s permit parking scheme which would operate from Monday to Saturday 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. at Bullion Lane, Chester-le-Street (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Committee received a presentation which detailed:

·         the location and consultation plan;

·         a map based schedule of the restrictions; and

·         photos highlighting the issues being experienced by local residents.

The Strategic Traffic Manager informed the Committee of the previous history of problems faced by local residents in the area which had been exacerbated more recently, with the introduction of parking charges at Chester-le-Street railway station in early 2015. It had previously been free to park at the station prior to 2015.  This had led to an increased number of commuters parking in surrounding residential streets.

One objection had been received from a commuter who had stated that they had previously parked at the railway station until parking charges were introduced.  The objector felt that residents would have bought their houses knowing a train station was located nearby and ought to have been aware of the potential for possible commuter parking in the area. They also felt that the County Council could do more for commuters.

The Strategic Traffic Manager informed the Committee that discussions had been taking place with Cestria Homes with a view to developing an area of land as a free car park for up to 20 vehicles, which could be used by commuters.  The objector advised that they would withdraw their objection if the project went ahead.  Discussions with Cestria Homes had stalled during the consultation, hence the outstanding objection.

The Committee were advised that the introduction of residents parking and protection of the junctions with yellow lines would be a sensible and pragmatic way of dealing with the issue of all day parking at Bullion Lane which was to the detriment of local residents.

The Committee then heard from Councillor S Henig, one of the local members for the area.  Councillor S Henig informed the Committee that both himself and Councillor L Marshall received regular complaints from residents living in the area.  The problem had grown and was growing, essentially down to the success of the railway station, where commuter numbers were well into the hundreds.  The problem for residents, was that there were not many car parks and commuters were blocking access to their driveways, which were shared.  In some cases people were leaving their cars parked all day and longer on occasions.  It was proving extremely difficult for residents to manoeuvre from their driveways when cars were parked either side and opposite the driveways.  Councillor Henig also felt that Network Rail had to take some of the responsibility for the problems being experienced by local residents.

Councillor Henig explained that a number of streets on the opposite side of the railway station (Avondale Terrace) already had similar restrictions in place and which had transformed the area.  Councillor Henig felt that the scheme proposed was a good compromise which both local members fully supported.

The Committee then head from two local residents who were in support of the proposals.  They echoed the comments made by Councillor Henig and explained the problems of cars being parked outside their houses, all day, every day.  In some cases people were parking at the location for a whole week.

Councillor Kay commented that he had enormous sympathy with residents and that the station had adequate cycle and taxi provision.  Councillor Kay felt it was unacceptable for someone to park in outside someone’s drive for an entire week and fully supported the scheme.

Councillor Gunn commented that the scheme had been fully investigated by officers, with only one objection being received during the full consultation. The speakers had provided an insight into the problems being experienced and fully sympathised with the issues they faced.

Resolved

That the recommendation contained in the report be agreed