Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 16, 2026

Purpose: The report proposed the adoption of a new Residential Parking Policy to provide a clear, evidence-based framework for managing on-street parking across the district. This policy follows the adoption of the wider Parking Strategy and addresses issues regarding highway access, road safety, and obstructive parking caused by unregulated demand. Following public consultation, the policy was amended to ensure that individuals, as well as ward councillors and resident groups, can propose new parking schemes.

Content: Cabinet agreed the following:   The adoption of the Residential Parking Policy as set out in Annex 1 of the Cabinet report with the Trigger Phase altered to include individual requests which will be dealt with informally; by making contact with the other residents and ward councillors to gauge support prior to the formal phase where the viability of the scheme will be looked at.

Reasons for the decision: Adopting the policy ensures that decisions regarding on-street parking management are fair and consistent. It provides the Council with the necessary parameters to resolve access and safety issues while ensuring community buy-in. Without this policy, the district would lack a defined framework for implementing residential parking schemes, leading to potential confusion and inconsistency.

Alternative options considered: Not adopting the policy: This was rejected as it would lead to continued inconsistency in how schemes are applied for and implemented, creating confusion for residents and failing to address safety concerns. Amending the policy to be more or less prescriptive: The drafted policy was considered the most appropriate balance for both the Council and residents, particularly following the inclusion of amendments that protected the voice of individual residents.