Issue - meetings

Members discussed the motion that had been proposed by Councillor Crittenden and adopted by Full Council on 12 January 2022. The motion to Council observed that the growth of town centre residential developments throughout the District were putting pressure on residential and visitor parking, to the detriment of both residents and visitors.

Cabinet was advised that whilst it was within the Local Plan, in accordance with National Policy and consistent with climate change targets, that parking facilities would not be required or expected for residential development planning applications within town centres, this did not take into account the needs of workers, especially keyworkers, or residents with disabilities, who genuinely need access to their own transport. Few of those most affected were in a position to pay for resident parking schemes or annual season tickets for car parks. The result had been increased pressure on what limited parking was available in the streets surrounding town centres and beyond.

Thanet District Council recognised these challenges and was therefore committed to undertake a district wide impact assessment of increased pressures on both on and off street parking in all town centres arising from the expansion of town centre residential development. This would take into account relevant factors such as access to electric vehicle charging, public transport links, cycle storage and pedestrian safety (especially at night).

This review would be conducted in consultation with KCC, ward councillors, other stakeholders (e.g. public transport providers) and the public, in order to develop solutions that supported the community, recognising the need for some groups to have access to safe personal transport due to either work conditions or disadvantage. The review would also consider disabled parking provisions across the district. A well evidenced strategic review of parking across the district would help develop a district wide parking strategy.

The following Members spoke under council procedure 20.1:

Councillor Austin;

Councillor Wing;

Councillor Crittenden;

Councillor Whitehead;

Councillor Yates.

Councillor Saunders proposed, Councillor Bob Bayford seconded and Cabinet agreed to adopt recommendation 3.1 (cited in the options section of the report) and agreed to undertake a well evidenced strategic review of parking across the district and then develop a district wide parking strategy.

It was proposed by Councillor Crittenden and seconded by Councillor Albon that:

"The growth of town centre residential developments throughout the District are putting pressure on residential and visitor parking, to the detriment of both residents and visitors.

Whilst it is within the Local Plan, in accordance with National Policy and consistent with climate change targets, that parking facilities will not be required or expected for residential development planning applications within town centres, this does not take into account the needs of workers, especially keyworkers, or residents with disabilities, who genuinely need access to their own transport.  Few of those most affected are in a position to pay for resident parking schemes or annual season tickets for car parks.  The result has been increased pressure on what limited parking is available in the streets surrounding our town centres and beyond.

Thanet District Council recognises these challenges and commits to undertake a District wide impact assessment of increased pressures on both on and off street parking in our town centres arising from the expansion of town centre residential development, taking into account relevant factors such as access to electric vehicle charging, public transport links, cycle storage and pedestrian safety (especially at night), in consultation with KCC, ward councillors, other stakeholders (eg public transport providers) and the public, in order to develop solutions that support the community, recognising the need for some groups to have access to safe personal transport due to work conditions or disadvantage."

In accordance with council procedure rule 3.7, Councillor David Saunders provided a response to the motion.

Councillor Albon proposed, Councillor Rawf seconded and Members agreed to debate the motion.

Following the debate the motion was forwarded to Cabinet in accordance with council procedure rule 3.8(a)v.