Agenda item

Since the introduction of the resident permit zones, in Epsom, there have been additional requests by residents to be included within the zones.  This report outlines the options available.

That the Local Committee (Epsom & Ewell) agreed that:

(i)     St James Close be included within the existing resident permit schemes for the Town Centre;

(ii)   the additional properties requesting permits in the Ladboke Road and Chalk Lane permit zones be included in the appropriate zone;

(iii)residents of all roads within the Town Centre zone be permitted to apply for carers permits;

(iv)  the necessary legal process should take place to make the relevant amendments to the traffic regulation orders;

(v)   any unresolved objections, received following the advertisements, are dealt with, according to the county council’s constitution, by the parking strategy and implementation team manager in consultation with the chairman/vice chairman of this committee and the relevant county councillor;

(vi)officers be asked to investigate whether it would be possible to increase the number of visitor permits that can be brought, particularly for residents who do not own a car.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officer attending: Stephen Clavey, Senior Engineer (Parking)

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: See 41/13.  There was no public participation during this item.

Member discussion – key points

Noted, that an additional resident in Chalk Lane had requested that they be included in the residents permit zone for that area.

Noted in paragraph 2.11 that “Hawthorne Road” should read “Hawthorne Place”.

Members requested clarification as to why a limit of 120 visitors permits per year, had been set by Cabinet, as this was proving a problem particularly for elderly residents who don’t own a car and who receive regular visits from family members.  Officers agreed to investigate further.

The addition of further properties to zones outside of the town centre where there is still capacity was felt to be permissible.

There was a discussion over the issue of availability of spaces within the town centre and the most appropriate way of allocating the remaining unused spaces.  Some of the recently built flats within the town centre have been built since the original scheme was agreed.  However, in some cases planning permission was granted on appeal despite concerns over the adequacy of parking, on the basis that these properties are within reach of public transport and cars should be able to be accommodated within the development.  Potential purchasers should have been made aware of the local parking situation by the developers.  However, it was suggested that the Borough Council should be approached to see whether it would be possible to allocate spare capacity in Borough car parks to local residents.

The Senior Engineer indicated that any changes agreed would be advertised separately from the current parking proposals and it was hoped that the changes could be in place by Christmas.

A number of proposals were put forward and votes taken:

That there should be no changes to any of the schemes.  FOR 0, AGAINST 8.  Not agreed

That the remaining permits for the town centre zone should be allocated on a first come first served basis.  FOR 2, AGAINST 5. Not agreed.

It was  

Resolved that:

(i)     St James Close be included within the existing resident permit schemes for the Town Centre (FOR 6, AGAINST 2);

(ii)    the additional properties requesting permits in the Ladboke Road and Chalk Lane permit zones be included in the appropriate zone;

(iii)  residents of all roads within the Town Centre zone be permitted to apply for carers permits (FOR 7, AGAINST 0);

(iv)  the necessary legal process should take place to make the relevant amendments to the traffic regulation orders;

(v)   any unresolved objections, received following the advertisements, are dealt with, according to the county council’s constitution, by the parking strategy and implementation team manager in consultation with the chairman/vice chairman of this committee and the relevant county councillor;

(vi)  officers be asked to investigate whether it would be possible to increase the number of visitor permits that can be brought, particularly for residents who do not own a car and to discuss with the Borough the possibility of making spaces in borough car parks available for residents’ parking.