04/11/2024: Breckland Council launches Car Park Consultation

Breckland Council is now launching its public consultation on the future of town centre car parking in the district, including the potential of a charging model to address budgetary pressures and ensure the long-term sustainability of the district's parking facilities. 

The changes are proposed 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. 

The public consultation invites residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders to provide their feedback on the proposed plans, which include potentially offering free periods at designated car parks in each town, with modest charges thereafter, alongside potential permits for residents, businesses and volunteers, amongst other proposals. 

Councillor Paul Hewett, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Property and Procurement, said:  

"We understand that moving towards a new parking system is a significant change. Likewise, we also understand how important it is for any process that brings about change to have sufficient time for this to be considered and reviewed, particularly by those who are affected.  

"We have committed throughout to making this process as transparent and accessible as possible. That is the reason why we have sought the feedback of our cross-party Scrutiny Commission, so that members from across the spectrum can have their say in the shape of this important consultation. I personally want to thank the members of our Overview and Scrutiny Commission for their valuable input on this. 

"The proposals we are putting before our community in this consultation have been considerately designed to keep potential charges as low as possible, that they will simply cover the cost of operating a sustainable service going forward. By doing this we can also protect the other vital services that we provide as a district. Through this consultation we want to hear your views so we can design a system that works for everyone." 

The consultation starts on 4 November with an online questionnaire available at breckland.gov.uk/carparks for members of the public to give their valuable feedback. Public engagement events in each of Breckland's market towns have also been scheduled. These include Swaffham Assembly Rooms on Monday 11 November, Turners in Attleborough on Tuesday 12 November, Thetford Library on Tuesday 19 November, Dereham Library on 21 November, and Adcocks in Watton on 27 November.  

The engagement events will give the public the opportunity to share their thoughts and receive answers to many of their questions. Breckland have proactively addressed many questions 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 via the Council's website or they can complete a paper version at any of the above consultation events. More information on the launch and public events will be announced across the council's social media as the consultation proceeds. You can keep up to date on the latest with the consultation by visiting Breckland Council Car Parks