Decision Maker: Pennines Township Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 12, 2024

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.