Agenda item

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive providing further information to inform a recommendation to the Council regarding the introduction of car parking charges for Burnham-on-Crouch car parks at Riverside Park, Foundry Lane and Millfields. If agreed this would bring charging arrangements in line with the Maldon Town Centre and Promenade Park car parks.

The report provided background information regarding consideration of this matter by the Car Parking Task and Finish Working Group (CPTFWG) which had recommended the introduction of car park charges in Burnham-on-Crouch. A copy of the CPTFWG Terms of Reference were attached at Appendix 1 to the report and it was noted that this included consideration of a new Car Parking Strategy, as well as the annual car park fees and charges. Appendix 2 set out details of the current car park provision within each of the car parks at Burnham-on-Crouch and Appendix 3 set out the proposed charges and estimated income for each car park along with estimate initial costs for introducing the charges.

The Assistant Director – Customer Services and Operations presented the report and advised that the original proposals had been supported by both the CPTFWG and the Finance Working Group. Appendix 4 confirmed the proposed car park charges. It was noted that having recognised the impact upon the patients that use Foundry Lane car park section 3.8 of the report set out a number of concessions proposed. The report and recommendations set out a number of options for consideration by the Committee.

Councillor W Stamp proposed that recommendation (v) be agreed, the charges originally proposed on 21 November 2024 not be agreed and the Council continues to offer free car parking at all Burnham-on-Crouch car parks.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor Stamp requested a recorded vote. 

During the debate that ensued a number of Members spoke against imposing car parking charges at Burnham-on-Crouch. In response to questions and queries raised, the following information was provided:

·                The data behind the report had been considered by the CPTFWG, there were however some new elements proposed not to be charges and these had been removed.

·                If car parking charges were to be introduced in Burnham-on-Crouch, it was confirmed that the Council would have appropriate enforcement provision.

·                It was noted that the CPTGWG had determined that a consultation on the introduction of car parking charges in Burnham-on-Crouch was not required.

Councillor Stamp spoke against the proposed charges and provided detailed information in support of her earlier proposal.

In response to a question regarding whether a consultation had taken place between Burnham-on-Crouch Surgery and the Council in respect of the proposed changes to the car park situated outside of the doctor’s surgery, Officers clarified that this had been considered by the Working Group who felt that consultation was not required. [1]

The Chairperson then moved the proposal in the name of Councillor Stamp, duly seconded, and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors D O Bown, A T Fittock, A S Fluker, K M H Lagan, R G Pratt, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, W Stamp and M E Thompson.

Against the recommendation:

There were none.

Abstention:

Councillors J Driver.

The Chairperson advised that the proposal was therefore agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That Members considered the further information at Appendices 1 – 4 previously considered by the Car Parking Task and Finish Working Group.

RECOMMENDED

(ii)            That the Car Park charges proposed for all Burnham-on-Crouch car parks not be agreed, and the Council continues to offer free car parking at all Burnham-on-Crouch car parks.