Purpose

To consider objections received as part of a
previous Traffic Order advertisement. Report previously approved
and submitted for Committee consideration - deferred from 4-JUNE
2024 Township.

Content

The Township Committee
considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place which
sought to inform of the outcome of the consultation concerning the
introduction of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), (Borough of
Rochdale, ((Civil Enforcement of Traffic Contraventions)
(Off-Street Parking Places) (Tariff and Operational Hours) Order
2017) (Amendment) (No. 5) Order 2024. The Township Committee would
also consider whether the TRO would be
implemented as advertised, be amended or be abandoned in
light of the objections received.
 
The Senior Highways
Officer (Strategy) introduced the proposed scheme, which pertained
to the amendments to the parking tariff and periods of operation
for three off-street public car parks serving the Hollingworth Lake area. The additional income
generated from these proposed amendments would be ring-fenced
towards funding further improvements within the Country Park and
Lake areas
 
A representative of
YourTrust (the Charity that managed and
preserved the country park) addressed the Township Committee to
inform that the additional income generated by the proposed
amendments to parking charges would rise commercial opportunities
for the country park and increased resources which would be
reinvested to improve accessibility of the facility as well as of
the car parks. YourTrust representative
shared with the Committee some statistics concerning parking at the
lake’s and how it compared to
similar country parks.
YourTrust representative proceeded to outlined
ideas for using resources for the country park.
 
Two objectors
addressed the Township Committee to outline their concern in
regards to the implementation of the scheme. The two objectors
informed of how this proposal, if implemented, would negatively
affect local residents.
 
The first objector
informed of how the new charges would negatively affect a community
of local residents who met at the lake on a regular basis as the
lake was their local leisure area. Because of the risk on increase
in parking charges, local residents would have to drive to Wardle
facilities. The objector added that no other car park in Rochdale
was charging until 8 p.m. and there was free parking offered at
Rochdale town centre.
 
The second objector
who addressed the Township Committee was the Captain of the
Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club. The
objector informed that members of the club used the car park for
winter training during the week and they used the lake to row on
Saturdays and Sundays. They were club members as well as volunteers
looking after juniors. The objector added that it would be onerous
on the club’s members who would have to pay the car parking
charges in addition to the club membership fees. Some club members
came from reasonable distance. The objector would welcome a
conversation about season tickets.
 
At this point in the
proceedings, Councillor Kelly joined the meeting.
 
The Committee noted
the information and they agreed that the scheme would be beneficial
for the maintenance and improvement of Hollingworth Lake. Additionally, the Committee
would welcome a conversation about season tickets for residents /
club members.
 
It
was MOVED and SECONDED that the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO),
(Borough of Rochdale, ((Civil Enforcement of Traffic
Contraventions) (Off-Street Parking Places) (Tariff and Operational
Hours) Order 2017) (Amendment) (No. 5) Order 2024 be approved and
that a report be presented to the Township Committee at its next
meeting in February 2024 to consider the introduction of season
tickets for residents and club members.
 
On being put the vote,
8 votes were cast in favour of approval
and 1 against.
 
Councillor Kelly did
not take part to the voting on this matter as he had joined the
meeting after the Highways Officer had presented the report.
 
Resolved:
1.   
 That the Traffic Regulation Order
(TRO), (Borough of Rochdale, ((Civil Enforcement of Traffic
Contraventions) (Off-Street Parking Places) (Tariff and Operational
Hours) Order 2017) (Amendment) (No. 5) Order 2024 be approved and
implemented as originally advertised (Appendix A of the
report);
2.   
That a further report be brought to the Township Committee at its
next meeting in February 2025 to consider the introduction of
season tickets for residents and club members.
 
Reason for
decision:
As outlined at point 3
of the report.
 
Alternatives
considered and rejected:
The scheme be amended,
or be abandoned in light of the objections received.