Decision

To extend the householder permit scheme through the months of July and August 2026 for Orwell Place car park, Dovercourt.

Reasons for the decision

Significant public realm and highway improvement works are currently being undertaken in Dovercourt, focused on Kingsway and the High Street. While these works are expected to deliver long-term benefits to the Council, to the area, they have temporarily reduced the availability of on-street parking, particularly the existing two-hour free provision. This has led to concerns from local businesses regarding reduced accessibility and local a decline in customer footfall.

To mitigate these impacts during the peak summer period, a proposal has been put forward to provide a form of free parking in Dovercourt throughout July and August 2026. This would effectively provide an alternative to the displaced on-street parking and support continued access to the town centre while works are ongoing.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - Do Nothing; Retain existing parking charges and arrangements.

Implication: No financial impact to the Council but does not address the significant loss of on-street parking and may further impact town centre footfall reduced accessibility and businesses during the works.

Option 2 - Remove Tariffs; (Full Free Parking) Temporarily suspend all parking charges at Orwell Place car park for July and August 2026

Implication: Provides the strongest mitigation and simplest offer for users; however, this would result in a direct loss of parking income and would require either a formal amendment to the parking order or use of an exemption process to implement within required timescales.

Option 3 Time-Limited Extension of Householder Permit Scheme

Preferred option.