We have in the past observed and recorded some of the local struggles with planning in respect of housing, noting the local efforts to thwart the ongoing juggernaut of ‘progress’, and just recently (end of April 2014) we have heard of another similar ‘public concern’ issue in the town, but this time in respect of parking.

 

In 2013 the County Council carried out an ‘informal consultation’ of residents living on the Stambridge side of Rochford in Stambridge Road, Weir Pond Road, East Street, Rocheway & Mornington Avenue. We are told that the cause of the consultation was concerns by 5 local residents about a lot of ‘commuter parking’.  

 

As a result of that consultation the Council have proposed a change to parking so that if the proposals are adopted – and the end of the present formal consultation period is the 7th May –  the following will at some point in the future become operative:

 

1. To park on your road at ANY time you will need a permit costing you £50 pa. (Maximum of 2 per household).

2. If you have friends or family visiting, at ANY time, you will need to have 4 hour parking permits for each car, sold in books of 10 for £5.

The proposals are available on: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/proposed-traffic-regulation-orders and are downloaded by clicking on the Rochford Order.

 

Local campaigners point out that out of 207 households consulted, only 49 voted yes to permit parking i.e. 24% and, further, that:

55 houses were consulted in Mornington Avenue  and only 24 responded.

26 houses were consulted in Rocheway and only 16 responded

126 houses were consulted in Stambridge Road and only 46 responded.

 

Alternatives, if sufficient responses are made, would be:

- No change to existing parking or

- Monday to Friday 10am to 11am, and 2pm to 3pm restriction.

 

As the closing date for the present consultation is 8th May, local residents have only a short time now in which to take action by either

 

- e-mail   trafficreg@chelmsford.gov.uk  or

- write to South Essex Parking Partnership Manager, Chelmsford City Council, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE

 

One Weir Pond Road resident said, “it appears that the County Council has fallen in love with another Cash Cow,”  and others in Stambridge Road said, “We believe that roads in the permit zone will generate a substantial amount of income in fines.” Another in Mornington Avenue said, “The proposed scheme is clearly a means of the County Council raising revenue and at a time of elections is an unwise move.” Another commented, “Being on the edge of the country and to have it urbanised in respect of parking would seriously detract from its amenity value and could give rise to disputes over council tax bands and general value of the property.”

 

Others have simply complained about the cost and inconvenience being imposed by the County. One further suggestion was that the Council adopt 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Mon-Fri permit parking to solve the problem of commuter parking. One resident said, “We originally had a small drive for one car space but turned our entire front over to parking. However, that is still not enough if we had a number of friends visiting and the thought of having to provide them with permits when we have already done what we can to reduce the problem, seems unnecessary and unfair.”

 

On the positive side, a comment was made, “Like all local authorities, the County Council are having their funds drastically cut back by central government and so look for any means of scrapping together more money to maintain their services.”  Locally though, the majority either appear to simply accept what appears to be coming, or are unhappy about it.  Time will tell the outcome.

 

The South Essex Parking Partnership (linked to the CC) have stated:

 

“Once the formal consultation period has closed, all representations will be discussed with the Lead Councillor and Lead Officer for parking matters for Rochford for a recommendation. The recommendation will then be included in the report when the matter is referred to the South Essex Parking Partnership Joint Committee. The date has yet to be confirmed.”

 

Watch this space!