Agenda item

E.84/20            

Members were presented with a report that highlighted the ever-increasing numbers of motorhomes / campervan users that were opting to use car parks and other locations for overnight stays in the South Hams.  As a consequence, the report identified opportunities to amend car park operations and made recommendations relating to overnight sleeping within Council off-street car parks.

In discussion, reference was made to:-

(a)  the likely economic benefits arising from the proposals.  Members reiterated that the primary purpose of the proposals was to provide a much needed boost to the local economy as opposed to income generation for the Council.  In expanding upon the point, Members also acknowledged that the proposals were not intended to compete with existing privately owned local campsites;

(b) an amendment to the motion.  An amendment was PROPOSED and SECONDED as follows:

That approval be given to the variation of the off-street parking orders by the Head of Assets, in consultation with the lead Executive Member for Commercial Services and the Leader of the Council to allow overnight sleeping within designated Car Parks (as set out in Option B of the presented agenda report),subject to:

-       It being recognised that this decision is now subject to a 21 day public consultation exercise being undertaken (paragraph 3.2.5 of the presented agenda report refers); and

-       Car parks at North Sands, Salcombe; Slapton; and Torcross being charged at £15 per night, with the remaining Car Parks at £10 per night.

In debate on the amendment, there was widespread support for inclusion of reference to the public consultation exercise.  A number of specific points that were raised by local Ward Members in debate were encouraged to be submitted as part of this consultation process.  However, there was a difference of opinion expressed with regard to the revised pricing proposals, with some Members being of the view that £15 for all car parks was excessive, whereas other Members considered the proposed charges to be reasonable.

When put to the vote, it was declared CARRIED by three votes to two that the amendment be approved and therefore incorporated into the substantive motion;

(c)  the proposals, if adopted, being initially for a twelve-month trial period.  Whilst welcoming the proposal for a trial, Members also felt that a user survey should be carried out throughout the year that would help to glean feedback before a decision was made as to whether or not the trial should be made permanent;

(d) increased enforcement and monitoring.  In the event of the proposals being introduced, some Members felt that it would be critical for the Council to undertake more frequent day and night time enforcement and monitoring activity.  Furthermore, the need for increased litter bin provision in these car parks was noted;

(e)  village hall car parks.  Members encouraged parish councils to explore any opportunities that they may have to adopt similar provision within their village / parish hall car parks.

It was then:

rESOLVED

That approval be given to the variation of the off-street parking orders by the Head of Assets, in consultation with the lead Executive Member for Commercial Services and the Leader of the Council to allow overnight sleeping within designated Car Parks (as set out in Option B of the presented agenda report), subject to:

-        It being recognised that this decision is now subject to a 21 day public consultation exercise being undertaken (paragraph 3.2.5 of the presented agenda report refers); and

-        Car parks at North Sands, Salcombe; Slapton; and Torcross being charged at £15 per night, with the remaining Car Parks at £10 per night.