21/10/2024: Breckland Council welcomes Watton Petition as it moves towards Public Consultation on Car Parking

Breckland Council has heard a presentation from Watton businesses and residents and received a petition at its Thursday 17 October Council Meeting. This comes as part of council's consideration of a potential new approach to the provision of car parking services across the district to address budgetary pressures and ensure the long-term sustainability of Breckland's car parks.

The proposed changes come in response to the need for continued investment in maintaining the district's 30 car parks, which are spread across the five market towns. The Council currently spends approximately £450,000 annually on their upkeep, a cost currently covered by all taxpayers, regardless of their use of the car parks.

At the meeting, Breckland's Executive Member for Property and Procurement, Councillor Paul Hewett proposed that, "Having considered the petitioners' representations, we refer this matter to the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and that this council then confirms that a formal consultation will take place, following which this matter is taken back to cabinet to make a final decision on any charging model."

Breckland's cross-party Overview and Scrutiny Commission, on Thursday 24 October, will consider the council's approach to the consultation, having a vital say in and helping to shape how the council will consult the public. Thereafter a period of public consultation will follow, inviting residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders to provide their feedback on a potential future parking system.

Executive Member for Property and Procurement, Councillor Paul Hewett, commented: 

"We understand that moving towards a new approach to car parking is a significant change. I understand the significant public reaction and hope that it translates into a detailed and valuable consultation, and I am incredibly grateful to both Mark Bunning and Paul Adcock for presenting the petition at today's meeting on behalf of Watton.  

"Likewise, we also understand how important it is for this process to be transparent and accessible. That is the reason why we are bringing our consultation plans before Breckland's cross-party Scrutiny Commission in the coming days so that members from across the spectrum can help shape this important consultation. 

"The proposals we are putting forward in this consultation have been considerately designed to keep potential charges as low as possible, in order to simply cover the cost of operating a sustainable service going forward. Through this consultation we want to hear your views so we can design a system that works for everyone." 

The consultation process will involve an online consultation form and engagement events in each of Breckland's towns, giving the public the opportunity to share their thoughts. Answers to many common questions are already available on the Council's website, including information on potential measures for residents, town centre employees and volunteers, market day parking, and school-related provisions. 

Residents and businesses are encouraged to complete the online questionnaire when it launches in early November via the Council's website or participate in the consultation events. More information on the consultation launch and public events will be announced through local press and across the council's social media in the coming weeks, alongside an article linking to the consultation landing with every Breckland resident in their upcoming 'Your Breckland' magazine. 

For more information on the proposed changes and keep up to date on the consultation,visit the Breckland website.