The Mayor informed the Chamber that a petition had been submitted to Full Council titled ‘King Street Car Park in Stanford Le Hope” and that as the petition had reached the threshold of 1,500 verified signatures, it had qualified to be debated by the Council.

Members were informed that the signatures had been checked and verified by Democratic Services using the electoral register.

The Mayor invited Councillor Piccolo, the Lead Petitioner to speak on the petition.

Councillor Piccolo stated that the limited free parking had a detrimental effect on shops in Stanford Le Hope in comparison to the 450 free parking spaces available in Corringham. That with modern day living people used cars to go shopping and that the air quality and pollution levels had increased with cars sitting idling waiting for a space. That this was the time for Thurrock Council to put right for the future because if the lack of parking in Stanford Le Hope was not sorted it will shortly not be open for business.

Councillor Piccolo suggested 3 options:

-           Owners of the car park charge commuters in exchange for some free car parking spaces

-           Clean the car park in exchange for some free car parking spaces

-           Make a compulsory purchase order

Councillor Piccolo urged all Members to support to reinstate free parking back into Stanford Le Hope.

Councillor Jones stated his full support with the report as parking in Stanford Le Hope had been a bone of contention with residents and that the current owners had not acted appropriately.

Councillor Gerrish thanked residents and the ward Councillors for the petition and the good work undertaken. That all Members should stand united to bring effective benefits to the residents and shops in Stanford Le Hope. Councillor Gerrish asked for continued updates on this petition through the Petitions Update Report.

Councillor Hebb stated that the plans were flawed from the beginning and had pushed shoppers away from Stanford Le Hope. That the Council had tried to have discussions with the current owner but the Council now had to move forward and bring shoppers back to Stanford Le Hope. Councillor Hebb suggested 3 options:

-           Shopper Scheme – spend so much in a shop and get your parking paid for

-           Launch a review of single yellow lines

-           Apply for a local land charge

Councillor Hebb stated that this decision had to be a cross party one that would ensure Stanford Le Hope become a restored town once again.

Councillor Gledhill stated from a personal view the planning laws were out of date and restrictions should be put in place for applications being resubmitted. Councillor Gledhill stated that a review would be brought forward to address the single yellow lines.

Councillor Halden stated that the business model for Stanford Le Hope was based on the need to support local people, support convenience stores and support customer parking so that these local services could be used. Councillor Halden stated that the review should be launched with action points that would help small businesses, shop owners and residents.

Councillor Tolson had concerns that if the present owners had not dealt efficiently with fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour how it would manage with any private prosecutions due to an incident or injury of a resident.

Councillor B Little showed his frustrations that the Council were readdressing issues that he was initially against when the application was first presented to the Planning Committee. Councillor B Little stated that a review of the Stanford Le Hope town centre, particularly the single yellow lines that would give the opportunity for cars to be parked elsewhere, would be undertaken. Although this may alleviate some of the problems it may not fix them all.

The Mayor thanked Members for the cross party debate and decision and thanked all residents who had signed the petition and that the Portfolio Holder for Highways and the Leader would now put forward a review.

RESOLVED

That the petition was considered by Full Council.