The Council has decided to approve changes to car park tariffs and parking permits in Stratford-upon-Avon, with a wider review of the Council's Parking Policy to be conducted.

URL: https://democracy.stratford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4009

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Grocott – Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio   Consideration was given to proposed changes to car park tariffs and parking permits as a variation to the Council’s Off-Street Parking Places Order 2023.   At this juncture, an amendment to section 1.9 of the report was circulated and agreed as detailed below:   In light of the changes that have occurred since the Council’s parking policy was established, the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan and the emerging Local Transport Plan for Stratford-on-Avon, a review of the Council’s Parking Policy will be commissioned, commencing prior to April 2026 and reported back to The Cabinet by the end of 2025/26. Detailed Terms of Reference will be set by the Review Group but will include:   ·       The provision of parking spaces within the Town of Stratford-upon-Avon; ·       Parking charges and the hierarchy of parking within the Town of Stratford-upon-Avon, including On Street Parking, Off Street Parking and the Stratford Park and Ride; ·       Provision and pricing of parking for residents; ·       Car parking provision within the wider District of Stratford-on-Avon; and ·       Provision of Electric Vehicle Charging facilities within Council car parks.   The review will include engagement with Warwickshire County Council as the Local Highways Authority, together with other relevant stakeholders.   In receiving the report, it was noted that the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules stated that there should be a review of all fees and charges at least every two years. In accordance with this, the car park tariffs and parking permits had been revised. As such, a variation to the Off-Street Parking Places Order 2023 (OSPPO) was required. The statutory notice period prior to revised charges coming into force was 21 days and it was proposed that this notice period would run from Tuesday 3 June 2025 to Wednesday 25 June 2025 inclusive.   The options available to The Cabinet were to endorse the proposals or to request and alternative course of action.   At the invitation of the Chair, Councillor Whalley-Hoggins addressed the meeting.   Councillor Crump, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), provided feedback from the meeting of the OSC held on 28 May 2025. The OSC requested that a joint review with Warwickshire County Council (WCC) be undertaken in the near future regarding on and off street parking and park and ride facilities. In addition, as part of the scope of this review, it was requested to be considered whether certain charges could be altered in order to provide a net benefit, encouraging people to visit town centres and support businesses, whilst also maintaining adequate revenue for the Council, and that local businesses and Stratford Business Improvement District be regularly consulted and asked for community intelligence on the effect of parking charges on visitor numbers (and length of stays).   In response to the feedback from the OSC, the Chief Executive advised the meeting that whilst WCC would be approached and a joint review requested, WCC were not compelled to consent.   Councillor Passingham advised the meeting that in light of the discussion around the one-hour free parking at Bridgeway car park in Stratford-upon-Avon Town Centre, he would review this option with Shipston-on-Stour Town Council.   Accordingly, it was   RESOLVED:   (1)That the proposed changes to car park tariffs and parking permits, as outlined in the agenda report, be agreed, and to take effect from 1 July 2025; and   (2)That officers carry out a wider review of the Council’s Parking Policy and report back to The Cabinet by the end of 2025/26.   Note: In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, this item is not subject to call-in to the OSC

Date of Decision: June 2, 2025