Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth regarding a proposal to introduce parking and waiting restrictions in six areas of Chester-le-Street and Birtley (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

The Interim Head of Transport informed that Committee that several requests had been received from local residents, Durham Constabulary and representatives from Durham County Council to address ongoing obstructive parking, visibility and safety issues identified in several locations throughout Chester-le-Street and Birtley, as follows:

Drum Industrial Estate

The proposal for Drum Industrial Estate would see the introduction of ‘no waiting at any time’ and ‘no waiting and no loading/unloading at any time’.

The proposed restrictions were being introduced to address obstructive parking and improve accessibility. The proposal followed a request from Durham Constabulary and Durham County Council Business Development team regarding obstructive parking and accident history on the estate. There has been one objection from a local business and fifteen letters of support for the proposals.

Councillor Ormerod supported the proposals due to the sad death of a motorcyclist in the area and businesses on the Industrial Estate welcomed the proposal.

Wesley Terrace

The proposal for Wesley Terrace would see the introduction of ‘no waiting and no loading/unloading at any time’

The proposed restrictions and extension to existing ‘restricted waiting’ restrictions were being introduced to address obstructive parking and improve accessibility. There was one objection from a local business stating that the removal of parking would have a detrimental impact on the town centre. Local members and Durham Constabulary were in support of the proposals.

Councillor Dunn welcomed the proposals. He was very familiar with the area and highlighted the frequency of HGVs driving on the road was considerable and very intimidating. He was slightly disappointed that the proposed restrictions did not continue down to Birtley Road.

Beverley Gardens

The proposal for Beverley Gardens would see the introduction of ‘no stopping’ restrictions introduced between Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm to address obstructive parking and improve road safety at the nearby school. There had been one objection received from a resident of Beverly Gardens.

Mr Clough, addressed the Committee and advised that he was representing 30 residents of Beverley Gardens. He referred to the aerial view of Beverley Gardens on page 31 of the report and provided photos showing parking congestion. Mr Clough highlighted safety concerns for the children who walked and biked to school as parking at school start and finish times was obstructive and unsafe given that people continued to park on double yellow lines on the blind corner. He objected to the proposed signs that restrict parking between 8am and 6pm as that would restrict residents and their friends and families visiting. He suggested that the school gate to the rear of the school be permanently closed and the restriction times be changed to school start and finish times 8am-9am and 3pm-4pm.

The Interim Head of Transport explained that there were issues to address in the area regarding safety management. Following a site inspection with the Police, the view was to remove parking from the area immediately adjacent to the path. Regarding the suggested changes to the restricted parking times, the Interim Head of Transport was keen to keep the restrictions proposed in the report as a number of schools were adopting staggered starting and finishing times due to the Covid pandemic. He added that reduced restriction times could be looked at in the future should the school introduce set hours. 

Councillor Sexton commented on the entrances to the school and expressed concern regarding the impact the proposals would have on residents and their visitors. The Interim Head of Transport explained that the restrictions were not immediately outside residents’ properties and additional parking was available in the wider area.

Responding to a request for clarification from Councillor Milburn regarding the entrances to the school, the Interim Head of Transport confirmed that the entrance in question was the rear entrance to the school which was popular for drop offs and pupils walking to school.

Councillor Shuttleworth asked that the scheme for Beverley Gardens be reviewed in 9 months.

Weldon Terrace

The proposal would see an extension to the existing ‘no waiting at any time’ restriction in order to improve visibility and accessibility at the junction. There had been no objections to the proposal for Weldon Terrace.

There were no responses to the Chairs invitation for comments and questions regarding the Weldon Terrace proposal.

Chester-le-StreetCricket Club

The proposal would see the introduction of a ‘loading only’ bay to facilitate the needs of the Cricket Club and improving access for goods vehicles. There had been no objections to the proposal.

Councillor Sexton sought advice whether there was a requirement for him to declare an interest as he had initially advised the Cricket Club who to contact regarding any proposals. The Solicitor for Planning and Development advised that there was no need to declare an interest as he had only provided procedural advice. 

Chester-le-Street Market Place

The proposal would see an amendment to the existing ‘restricted bays’ layout and an extension to the ‘no waiting and no loading/unloading at any time’ restrictions to facilitate the drainage/redevelopment work. There had been no objections to the proposal.

There were no responses to the Chairs invitation for comments and questions regarding the Market Place proposal.

Moved by Councillor Hopper, Seconded by Councillor Milburn and:

Resolved:

That the Committee endorse the proposals and recommend the implementation of the Chester-le-Street and Birtley Parking and Waiting Restrictions Order 2019, with the final decision to be made by the Corporate Director under delegated powers.