Issue - meetings

(Report CAB3109(TP) refers)

The Chairman introduced the report which set out the background and reasons to the proposed introduction of parking restrictions on various roads in Whiteley which, following advertisement, had received 26 letters of objection and three letters of support.

During public participation, James Mitchell (Lidl UK), Lloyd Exley (HBS Group Southern Ltd), Dennis Armstrong and Mike Evans (Whiteley Town Council) addressed the Committee, as summarised below and answered Members’ questions thereon:

In summary, James Mitchell, Head of Property for Lidl UK, raised the following points:

·         The proposed measures were designed to rectify issues with on street parking and safety arising;

·         High level consultation on these measures had taken place and they were supported by Whiteley Town Council and Hampshire Constabulary and were deemed necessary by Hampshire County Council (HCC). These measures were  also a requirement of the Safety Audit for the store;

·         Store opening would be prevented in the absence of adequate  measures being put in place to ensure safe access to the site ;

·         Objections from businesses had been noted. However, this was a matter of ensuring road safety requirements supported by the Council, HCC, Whiteley Town Council and Hampshire Constabulary are put in place; and

·         Keir Group also very reliant on necessary parking restrictions for proper and safe development of their site.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Mitchell advised that the store was serviced by articulated lorries, parking on site was limited to 90 minutes, and parking spaces were provided for staff and customers with the number determined through the planning process.

In summary, Lloyd Exley (HBS Group Southern Ltd), raised the following points:

·         HBS Group based on Solent Way objected to the proposed parking restrictions on Solent Way, although not to the double yellow lines on Whiteley Way and Rookery Avenue;

·         Parking Restrictions would result in an adverse impact on businesses as a result. Parking was at a premium in Whiteley;

·         HBS had access to eight parking spaces; more land was available as a result of their lease but the company was prevented from accessing it by Highways England. ;

·         Hampshire Constabulary were already ticketing obstructive parking on this junction so he considered that further restrictions were not required and no accidents had been recorded;

·         Any restrictions would displace parking to other areas in Whiteley; and

·         HCC should work with local businesses towards a solution ahead of implementing the proposed parking restrictions along Solent Way.

In response to questions from the Committee Mr Exley said he was unsure how many spaces his business required but more than the 8 they have at present and the parking spaces they cannot access are to the rear of the building next to the highway depot.

In summary, Dennis Armstrong spoke on the matter of parking in central Winchester for properties without off-street parking of their own.  He stated that he wished to query the price of parking for residents in the central area of the city which he considered to be excessive, in comparison to other  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3