Plans for a residents’ parking permit scheme in Uphill Lincoln have been delayed further as Lincolnshire County Councillors seek further information.
The authority’s Planning and Regulation Committee on Monday voted to defer plans to offer priority to those who live in the Bailgate area, between Newport and the junction with Westgate, for another look following divisive campaigns by both residents and businesses.
Currently, anyone can park in these areas for an hour between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but this would potentially remove 37 spaces from that arrangement.
The measures would mean uphill shoppers would have to find another place to park their vehicles.
Those against the plans said the scheme would deter people from visiting the area and pose a threat to the viability of businesses, putting livelihoods at risk and leading to the closure of many of the shops in the area.
They have been backed by organisations such as Visit Lincoln and the Federation of Small Businesses.
However, those in support say the area is mainly residential and that the current parking offer discriminates against those living there. They said there were “numerous car parks in the area”.
A report before councillors said residents were often forced to park some distance from their homes and that the lack of available spaces reduced property values.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Council officers said the scheme had “proved very divisive” and “had a negative impact on the relationship between residents and businesses”.
The council had received 33 responses in support of the scheme and 59 against.
Due to the “very polarised” response, officers put forward three recommendations, including going ahead with the plan, abandoning it all together and carrying out further work to identify alternative proposals.
Local member Councillor Karen Lee (Labour) supported residents, relaying the stories of two healthcare workers and elderly residents.
“PeoplewholiveinmanyofthestreetsneartoBailgatehaveallbeenawardedparkingpermits,soit’sreallynowondertheresidentsI’mrepresentingtodayfeeltheyhavebeentreatedveryunfairlyforwantingthesame,” she said.
She said fears that businesses would fail were “speculative” and had “no independent and robust evidence”.
“Attheendoftheday,whenthevisitorshavereturnedtotheirownhomes andwhenthetillshavebeencashedupandtheshopkeepershavereturnedtotheirownhomes,who’sactuallyleftinthatarea?Andthesimpleanswertothatisthelocalresidents,” she said.
Councillors were told there would potentially be around 100 residents competing for the 37 spaces.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Councillor Tom Ashton said he had some “serious concern” with the proposals which he appreciated were “in one of the prime tourist areas”.
Councillor Paula Ashleigh-Morris said it was “massively important we get this absolutely right” and asked for a site visit.
“We’regoingtobeonadamnedifyoudodamnedifyoudon’t, butIwouldappreciatealook,” she said.
She said there had already been a long wait, so a short-while longer would not hurt.
Councillor Ian Carrington said there were “clearly very passionate views” on the plans.
“Ifweonlyfavouronegroupattheexpenseofallthoseothergroups,wedon’thaveamixedsolution, andthenIthinkwearedisadvantagingpeopleandpotentiallydoingsoveryseriously. Whatweneedisacompromise,” he said.
Councillors voted in favour of a recommendation to both find further solutions and to carry out a site visit in order to better understand the situation.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!