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Consideration was given to a petition received
from Councillors T Dean, R Roud and M Tatton as joint sponsors
asking that the four-hour parking restriction at Ryarsh Lane Car
Park be lifted for traders at the West Malling Farmers Market so
that a Farmers Market could continue to be provided on the fourth
Sunday of each month in West Malling.
 
The petition organisers addressed the Cabinet
in accordance with the Borough Council’s Petition Scheme, as
set out in the Constitution, and expressed concerns in respect of
the impact that a four-hour parking limit had on the viability of
the operation of the West Malling Farmers Market for market
operators and stall holders.  It was
clarified by the petitioners that they were seeking lifting of the
four-hour maximum parking time restriction only rather than a
waiver of parking charges, to allow market traders sufficient time
of parking at the Ryarsh Lane Car Park to complete all the
necessary tasks associated with the operation of the four-hour
market.
 
Due regard was given to the views of the
petition organisers and legal implications detailed in the report
of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical
Services.
 
Recognising the importance of the West Malling
Farmers Market not only to the market traders and local residents
but also to the development and vibrance of the area, the petition
was supported by the Cabinet Member for Transformation and
Infrastructure, who in addition suggested that consideration be
given to allowing parents and/or carers of children in West Malling
Church of England Primary School to park at the Ryarsh Lane Car
Park for up to 15 minutes during school collection time, to be
included within the same Notice of Variation that was to be issued
to amend the parking time restriction in support of the petition
regarding the West Malling Farmers Market.
 
Cllr M Coffin proposed, seconded by Cllr M
Boughton and Cabinet
 
RESOLVED: 
That
 

(1)         
the Petition seeking lifting of a four-hour parking restriction at
Ryarsh Lane Car Park for traders at West Malling Farmers Market, as
set out in Annex 1, be received and noted;
 

(2)         
a provision be made to enable parents and/or carers of children in
West Malling Church of England Primary School to park at the Ryarsh
Lane Car Park for up to 15 minutes during school collection time;
and
 

(3)         
an Amendment to the Off Street Parking Order be made to alter the
charging period of Ryarsh Lane Car Park in West Malling, to reflect
the changes agreed per above (1) and (2), by way of the issuing of
a Notice of Variation with its display in the car park affected and
in the local press for a period of not less than 21 days prior to
the changes coming into effect, as set out in paragraph 1.2.2 of
the report, subject to agreement of a suitable tariff as a linear
extension of the current charging arrangement.