Agenda item

Belmore Parade, Uxbridge Road, Hayes - Petitions Objecting to Changes to the Parking Arrangements

Minutes:

The petitioners confirmed that Ward Councillor Tony Eginton was unable to attend the meeting in person, but had forwarded his comments in support of the petition by email. However, at the time of the meeting, these had not been received by Councillor Burrows or the Clerk.

 

It was confirmed that two petitions relating to changes to parking arrangements in Belmore Parade had been received, and that both petitions would be heard together.

 

Concerns and suggestions raised at the meeting included the following:

 

·         Petitioners' concerns focussed on the introduction of double yellow lines and the reduction of parking spaces as a result of the Uxbridge Road, Hayes Parades improvements. Petitioners felt that the reduction in available parking for customers would have an adverse effect on the commercial fortunes of the businesses on the Parade. Reference was made to the improvement plan's aim to 'maximise' parking, which the petitioners felt was not the case.

·         In addition, proposed narrowing of roads as part of the improvements would make it more difficult for heavy goods vehicles to service the businesses, and could contribute to greater levels of congestion.

·         The petitioners asserted that that the Council had not undertaken adequate communication and consultation with the businesses on the Parade, to ensure they fully understood the implications of the works to be carried out. It was requested that plan revert to the previous layout, or be amended to include such options as echelon parking arrangements.

·         In addition, longstanding antisocial behaviour issues were raised, and it was requested that these be addressed by way of CCTV, speed limits, and any other measures deemed appropriate.

 

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. With regard to the assertion that the Council had not undertaken adequate consultation, Councillor Burrows requested that Helena Webster, Community Engagement & Town Centres Team Leader, confirm what actions the Council had undertaken to communicate with residents and businesses prior to the improvements being implemented. Ms Webster referred to the comprehensive communication undertaken by the Council as set out in the report, which included consultation with Ward Councillors.  It was confirmed that Ward Councillors had not raised any concerns.

 

It was highlighted that the plan to 'maximise' parking, as referred to by the petitioners, was to make parking more efficient and disciplined within the parameters of the Parade's new design, rather than increase the number of parking bays. It was expected that the new parking arrangements would improve parking overall. The reasoning behind why the requested echelon parking was not an option was set out within the report.

 

Officers went on to inform all present that an objection to the proposed changes to the traffic order, which included parking, had been received. An objection report was currently being drafted, which would be passed to the relevant Cabinet Member(s) when finalised. The Cabinet Member(s) would then decide whether to uphold or dismiss the objection, and until such time as that decision was made, Councillor Burrows was unable to make a final decision on the Belmore Parade petitions. Councillor Burrows therefore moved the recommendations as set out in the report:

 

RESOLVED:  Meeting with the petitioners, the Cabinet Member:

 

1.            Discussed with petitioners their concerns regarding the changes to the parking arrangements within Belmore Parade, which form an integral part of the wider £2.5m Uxbridge Road, Hayes Parades improvements;

 

2.            Considered the comprehensive methods of communication used to inform local residents and business about the Hayes Parades proposals including briefing Barnhill Ward Councillors and leaflet/letter drops;

 

3.            Noted the formal statutory consultation on the proposed traffic order changes, the outcome of which is reported to the Cabinet Member separately;

 

4.         Noted that a number of previous on site meetings had been arranged with a lead petitioner in response to wider anti-social behaviour issues affecting Belmore Parade, including a meeting on 22 September 2016 with the Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, the Police and senior Council Officers;

 

5.         Noted that some of the alternative proposals put forward by the petitioner, such as echelon parking, were unfortunately not viable for reasons set out within the report;

 

6.         Took into account that an onsite meeting had been held with the lead petitioner on 23 March 2017, specifically to discuss his misgivings and explain the rationale behind the revised parking arrangements and how the parking capacity for customers was being maintained;

 

7.         Suggested to the petitioners that the formation of a Hayes Parades Business Forum, possibly based on the successful and thriving Hayes Town Business Forum, could be a means for representing and consolidating the views and interests of businesses  within this stretch of the Uxbridge Road, Hayes. Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce could help with initiating this; and

 

8.                     Reassured the petitioners that in common with all new parking management arrangements the scheme will be reviewed, usually after 12 months, to determine that the objectives of the scheme were being met.

 

Reasons for recommendations

 

The petition hearing will prove a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the petitioners of their concerns and suggestions and provide reassurances that in relation to the Belmore Parade, Uxbridge Road, Hayes parking arrangements he Council is "Putting residents first".

 

Alternative options considered / risk management 

 

None at this stage.

 

Supporting documents: