URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1700

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: [Councillor Castle declared an Other Significant Interest that he owned a property adjacent to land that was listed in the Local Plan, which the Park and Ride fed in to. He had been granted a dispensation by the Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer to allow him to speak and vote on these matters.]   Councillor Ricketts introduced the report, which explained the transport objective to expand capacity at the Wincheap Park and Ride, outlined options that had been considered and discounted, and set out six potential options.   There were six options detailed in the report for Cabinet to discuss and the following points were made: ·         It was noted that the options presented in the report were viable ones, with others discounted due to lack of viability. ·         It was clear from the Overview Committee that the Canenco option was the most popular, although it was accepted that it was not perfect. ·         There had been some confusion regarding the A2 off?slip, as the original design had not been approved by National Highways; however, an off?slip was expected in the future, and additional Park & Ride capacity would be required to accommodate extra vehicles. ·         Members noted that improved bus connectivity was required in that part of the city and that the proposal would help strengthen bus routes through the area. ·         The proposal was considered a vital part of the Transport Strategy, supporting the future regeneration of that part of the city. ·         Thanks were expressed to the Head of Transport and Environment and his team for their work on this complex project. ·         Members noted that further signage was needed for the New Dover Park & Ride from the A2, and that Highways England had removed previous signage. Attempts would be made again to have it reinstated. ·         It was acknowledged that the Canenco option could impact cost and service delivery for Canenco, and that revisions to the Service Delivery Plan might be required. ·         Members were positive about the additional park & ride provision as part of the wider transport strategy and noted that the proposed solution for the Canenco site would be carefully considered. ·         A further report would be brought back to Cabinet to agree to the new Canenco site. ·         It was noted that no temporary parking would be required while A2 slip road works were ongoing under this option.   It was proposed, seconded and when put to a vote RESOLVED   (i) That Option C is agreed and a planning application is submitted for a park and ride on the Canenco site as shown on the outline design drawing in Appendix 3.    (ii) That the Head of Transport and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Tourism, Transport and Rural Champion, is given delegated authority to make minor changes to the layout as required through the planning process     (iii) Any additional capital and revenue requirements will be subject to the budget process for 2027/28, identifying the additional costs and funding sources   Record of the voting: For: Councillors Baldock, Castle, Dawkins, Charlotte Cornell, Chris Cornell, Hazelton, Nolan and Ricketts (8) Against: none (0) Abstained: none (0)   Reason for the decision: It avoids the loss of public open space and sports provision on Thanington Recreation Ground and minimises the impact on Wincheap meadow. The capacity is only marginally below the transport strategy objective to provide 900 spaces to meet forecast demand from the A2 and A28 corridors. Although the remainder is on part of Whitehall Meadow Local Nature Reserve, the majority of the land is made ground or poor unmanaged habitat. The cost is significantly cheaper than a multi-storey car park.

Date of Decision: March 16, 2026