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Committee: Rights of Way Committee

Meeting Date: 19 June 2012

Lead Councillor/s: Councillor Guy McGregor

Local Councillor/s: Councillor Bill Bishop

Director: Lucy Robinson, Director for Economy, Skills and Environment

Assistant Director or Head of Service:

Matthew Riches, Head of Programme Delivery and Construction

Author: Ben Chester, Telephone: 01473 260433

Suffolk County Council (Market Hill, Brandon) (Prohibition of Driving with Exemptions and Revocation) Order 20-

Brief Summary of Report

1. To consider the objections to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the introduction of prohibition of driving on Market Hill, Brandon (Appendix A).

Action Recommended

2. That the Cabinet member for Roads, Transport and Planning be recommended to approve the making of the Suffolk County Council (Market Hill, Brandon) (prohibition of driving with exemptions and revocation) Order 20- as advertised.

Reason for Recommendation

3. The proposals in the advertised traffic order were made by Suffolk County Council following a Parish Poll conducted by Brandon Town Council in October 2010. The survey invited residents to vote on whether they supported a parking ban in the Market Hill area with a view to making this into a civic space for the town. A total of 753 votes were cast of which 91% (688) voted in favour.

4. There is currently an existing Town and Country Planning Act 1971 (Conversion of Highways into Footpaths or Bridleways) Order 1984 that is in place on Market Hill that was intended to manage parking in this area. Since 2007 it has been widely ignored.

5. The County Council has been investigating vehicular use on Market Hill since 2009 and has established through correspondence between senior officers from Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Constabulary that the existing Town and Country Planning Act order cannot be enforced by the Police due to the fact that the aforementioned act is a planning law. Suffolk Constabulary investigated this in 2007 and stopped enforcing the legislation on Market Hill from this time.

Agenda item 7

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6. The current situation on Market Hill allows vehicles to drive and park unhindered in an area designed for pedestrian use. There are no marked bays, and street furniture items create obstacles that are difficult to navigate safely.

7. Since 2007 a number of ‘near miss’ collisions with pedestrians have occurred and the Town Council has had to repair lamp posts that have been hit at a cost of £8000. The introduction of the proposed order would significantly reduce the likelihood of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.

8. The Total Brandon Project (a multi-agency partnership aimed at improving public services for the community) led by Suffolk County Council implemented an improvement scheme for Market Hill that included additional planters, seating and bollards to restrict vehicle entry that it hoped would discourage motorists from parking on Market Hill. This was a direct response to the Parish Poll results which made it clear that the community wanted this transformed into a civic space that could be owned and used by the community. Since the improvements were carried out in February 2012, parking has continued as before and at least two incidents of vehicles striking new street furniture have occurred to date, according to anecdotal evidence provided by Brandon Town Council.

9. To consider the objections, comments in support of proposals and petition received during the advertisement of the proposed order.

Alternative Options

10. Do nothing and allow vehicles to continue parking on Market Hill.

Main Body of Report

Background

11. The draft Traffic Regulation Order statement of reasons and schedule of the advertised proposal is included in Appendix A.

12. Plans of the area and proposed new road signs and a plan indicating the locations and capacities of existing and proposed car parking facilities are included in appendix B.

13. Objections and a petition received during the advertised period are included in Appendix C.

14. Comments in support of the proposal received during the advertised period are included in Appendix D.

15. A summary of the consultation carried out between May and August 2011 is included in Appendix E.

16. A report sent in by Cllr Bishop (who is unable to attend the Rights of Way Committee but requested the report is distributed to all members of the Committee) is included in Appendix F.

Consultations

17. The following parties were consulted:

a) Road Haulage Association;

b) Freight Transport Association;

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c) Steve Griss – Suffolk Police;

d) Fire Service;

e) East or England Ambulance Service Trust;

f) Brandon Town Council;

g) Forest Heath District Council (inc. District Councillors for Brandon);

h) County Councillor Bill Bishop; and

i) Businesses that directly front Market Hill.

18. A summary of the above consultation carried out between May and August 2011 is included in Appendix E.

19. A parish survey conducted by Brandon Town Council in 2010 resulted in 91% of the 753 residents who voted supporting a ban on parking.

20. A petition ‘to allow parking in Market Hill’ collected by Mr Feng of Peach Bower Restaurant and Takeaway of approximately 300 signatures was carried out during July and August 2011.

21. The draft traffic regulation order was advertised in the press and on site from 21 March to 16 April 2012. Included in Appendix A.

Objections and Officer Comments

22. A total of 10 objections (detailed below) and one petition signed by 49 persons have been received to the proposal for the prohibition of driving order for Market Hill, Brandon.

23. The general comments were that the introduction of the prohibition of driving order will adversely affect businesses, lead to increased anti-social behaviour, create a shortage of parking and decrease footfall in the general area.

24. Objections received (Appendix C):

a) Caroline Bullock (Address not given);

b) Karen J Neville, 23 Melbourne Drive, Mildenhall;

c) Billy Feng, Peach Bower Restaurant and Takeaway, 8-10 Market Hill, Brandon;

d) V Lukaniuk, 3 Hellesdon Court, Brandon;

e) Roger Hyam, Hyams Bakery, Market Hill, Brandon;

f) N D Guthrie, Mr. G’s Bowling Centre, The Apartment Hotel, Market Hill, Brandon;

g) June Gray (Address not given);

h) Stephen Roach, 196 Park View, Brandon;

i) Antonio Anjos, CeKiSabe 3 Café, Market Hill, Brandon; and

j) Barry Kirchen (Address not given).

25. Petition received (Appendix C):

26. Collected and submitted by Antonio Anjos, CeKiSabe 3 Café, Market Hill, Brandon.

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27. Cllr Bishop has submitted a report (Appendix F) outlining his concerns about the proposed order. Cllr Bishop states that: Market Hill has seen a growth in the number of businesses over the last thirty years, therefore increasing demand for car parking; Changes to the existing car parking and school pupil numbers in the very near future will reduce the available parking in the area; The Parish Poll was not like a normal council election as there was no postal voting, reduced voting hours and a turnout of approximately 12% of the electorate.

Officers Comments

28. It is noted that the proposed prohibition of vehicles order will replace an existing order that is supposed to achieve the function of the proposed order. It is only due to the nature of the existing Town and Country Planning Act order that enables parking on Market Hill, as the police are unable to enforce the Town and Country Planning Act order.

29. Car parking including dedicated disabled spaces is available within less than 100 metres of Market Hill as illustrated in Appendix B.

30. A parking survey carried out by the Town Council during week commencing 15 May 2012 shows at the ‘busiest’ times (9.00am, Midday, 3.00pm – school collection times) on every day without exception there were sufficient parking spaces within the nearby car parks to accommodate the vehicles parked on Market Hill.

31. Several community activities are proposed for the Market Hill area as part of plans to maximise its potential as a civic space: Forest Heath Youth Forum are waiting the results of the TRO in order to undertake an art work project on Market Hill; Brandon Town Council are looking into holding a ‘traditional market’ on Market Hill.

Supporting the proposal

32. Three messages of support for the proposed order on Market Hill were received. Mr Flack stated that the area would be more pleasant without parked vehicles. D G Rosh suggested greater restrictions and illustrated how the nearby parking arrangements could be modified. D Walker states that the area looks a mess with cars parked on it and wants to know why cars are still using Market Hill.

33. Messages of support received (Appendix D):

a) Michael Flack, 7 Thetford Road, Brandon;

b) D G Rosh, 7 Bracken Rise, Brandon; and

c) D Walker, 5 St. Anthony’s Way, Brandon.

Human Rights Act 1998

34. The objections need to be considered in the light of the Human Rights Act 1998, s. 6 of which prohibits public authorities from acting in a way which is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Two specific convention rights may be relevant:

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35. Entitlement to a fair and public hearing in the determination of a person's civil and political rights (Convention Article 6) which includes property rights and can include opportunities to be heard in the consultation process; and

36. Peaceful enjoyment of possessions (including property), subject to the State's right to enforce such laws as it deems necessary to control the use of property in accordance with the general interest (First Protocol Article 1).

37. Other rights may also be affected including individuals' rights to respect for private and family life and home.

38. Regard must be had to the fair balance that has to be struck between the competing interests of the individual and of the community as a whole. Both public and private interests are to be taken into account in the exercise of the Council's powers and duties as a traffic authority. Any interference with a Convention right must be necessary and proportionate.

39. The Council is required to consider carefully the balance to be struck between individual rights and the wider public interest. In this case, officers consider that the interference with Convention rights, if there is any, will be justified in order to secure the significant benefits in improving access and road safety.

Sources of Further Information

a) Appendix A - The draft Traffic Regulation Order schedule, statement of reasons and the advertised notice

b) Appendix B - Plans of the area and proposed new road signs and a plan indicating the locations and capacities of existing and proposed car parking facilities

c) Appendix C - Objections and a petition received during the advertised period

d) Appendix D - Comments in support of the proposal received during the advertised period

e) Appendix E - A summary of the consultation carried out between May and August 2011

f) Appendix F – A report sent in by Councillor Bishop (who is unable to attend the Rights of Way Committee but requested the report is distributed to all members of the Committee)

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The draft Traffic Regulation Order schedule, statement of reasons and the advertised notice

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL (MARKET HILL, BRANDON)

(PROHIBITION OF DRIVING WITH EXEMPTIONS AND REVOCATION) ORDER 201-

Suffolk County Council (‘the Council’) in exercise of its powers under Sections 1(1) and 2, 2(1) to (3) and Part IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, (which said Act of 1984 is hereinafter referred to as the Act of 1984) and of all other enabling powers, after consultation with the Chief Officer of Police in accordance with Part III of Schedule 9 to the Act of 1984, hereby makes the following Order:

PART 1: INTERPRETATION 1. (1) In this Order ‘market day’ means a day designated by Forest Heath District Council

for the holding of a market. (2) Except where otherwise stated, any reference in this Order to a numbered Article is

a reference to the Article bearing that number in this Order.

(3) The restrictions, prohibitions and requirements imposed by this Order are in addition to and not in derogation of any restriction, prohibition or requirement imposed by any other enactment and any exception or exemption to the provisions of this Order is without prejudice to the provisions of any other enactment.

PART 2: PROHIBITION OF DRIVING WITH EXEMPTIONS 3. Except as provided in Articles 4, 5 and 6, no person shall, except upon the

direction or with the permission of a police constable in uniform or of a traffic warden, cause or permit any motor vehicle to proceed in the entire area of Market Hill, Brandon, from its junction with London road in a southerly direction for a distance of 64 metres to its junction with Stores Street, School Lane, Bury Road and George Street.

4. Nothing in Article 3 shall make it unlawful to cause or permit any vehicle to proceed

in the area of road referred to therein to enable the vehicle, if it cannot conveniently be used for such purpose in any other road, to be used in connection with any of the following operations, namely:

(a) police operational, fire brigade or ambulance purposes (b) building, industrial or demolition operations; (c) the removal of any obstruction to traffic; (d) the maintenance, improvement or reconstruction of the said area of road; (e) the laying, erection, alteration or repair in or on land adjacent to the said area

of road of any sewer or of any main, pipe or apparatus for the supply of gas, water or electricity or of any telecommunications system as defined in the Telecommunications Act 1984; or

Appendix A

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(f) if it cannot conveniently be used for such purposes in any other road, to be

used in the service of a local authority or of a water authority in pursuance of statutory powers or duties.

5. Nothing in Article 3 shall make it unlawful to cause or permit any vehicle to proceed

in the area of road referred to therein if the vehicle is being used:

(a) on a market day for or in connection with the sale of goods on the market and is being used in accordance with the market byelaws for the time being in force in the District of Forest Heath;

(b) by the owner or occupier of business premises fronting that area of road to

gain access to or egress from those premises, or (c) for the purposes of loading and unloading goods at business premises

fronting that area of road.

PART 3: REVOCATION AND CITATION

6. The provisions of The County of West Suffolk (Market Hill, Brandon) (Prohibition

of Driving) Order 1972 are hereby revoked. 7. This Order may be cited as the Suffolk County Council (Market Hill, Brandon)

(Prohibition of Driving and Revocation) Order 201- and shall come into operation on

Date:

The COMMON SEAL OF SUFFOLK ) COUNTY COUNCIL was affixed ) in the presence of: (An authorised Officer of the Council

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SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL (MARKET HILL, BRANDON) (PROHIBITION OF DRIVING WITH EXEMPTIONS AND REVOCATION)

ORDER 201- Statement of Reasons The proposals in this order are intended to make the Market Hill area safer and more attractive to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The restricted access for motor vehicles covers the main shopping area in Brandon town centre that has high numbers of pedestrians and a popular market. Recent improvements have taken place on Market Hill to improve the area in order to create a pleasant civic space where shoppers can stop and enjoy the surroundings. A number of incidents of damage to street furniture have been reported since the area has been used as an informal car park. Adequate car parking exists in the immediate area providing vehicle users with easy access to the businesses on Market Hill and beyond.

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SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL (MARKET HILL, BRANDON) (PROHIBITION OF DRIVING WITH EXEMPTIONS AND REVOCATION)

ORDER 201- Suffolk County Council proposes to make the above order under Sections 1 and 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, which would prohibit all motor vehicles from the entire area of Market Hill, Brandon. Pedestrians and cyclists will not be affected. Vehicles being used by owners and occupiers to access business premises, and by others for the purposes of loading and unloading, will be exempt from the prohibition, as will market traders’ vehicles on market days, emergency vehicles and vehicles being used for building, industrial or demolition works, for the maintenance of the road or the services therein, and to fulfil statutory duties. Full details may be obtained from the order. Existing measures that conflict with or duplicate the order will be revoked. A copy of the draft order, the Council’s reasons for proposing to make the order and a map showing the road affected, may be inspected free of charge at my office, 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Monday - Friday; also at Brandon Library, Brandon Community Centre, Bury Road, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday; 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Thursday; 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday; 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday; and 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Objections and any other representations concerning this order, specifying the grounds on which they are made, must be in writing and must reach Heather Miller (Legal Services) at the address below or at heather.miller@suffolk.gov.uk by 16 April 2012. Please bear in mind that any such correspondence cannot be regarded as confidential and may be inspected by any interested party. Date: 21 March 2012 Suffolk County Council Endeavour House 8 Russell Road TIMOTHY EARL

Ipswich Head of Legal Services

IP1 2BX

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Plans of the area and proposed new road signs Appendix B

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a) Caroline Bullock (Address not given)

I am writing to you to voice my disquiet that it is being considered , due to local bylaws and to address safety issues, that the Market Hill in Brandon will be closed to all bar pedestrians and cyclists. The area covered by the Market Hill is more than large enough to accommodate cyclists, pedestrians and a restricted number of cars, with the use of barriers and marked spaces to ensure safety. Enforced short term parking, including spaces for those who are disabled, are the life blood of struggling small towns like Brandon. It has never been architecturally beautiful and the inability to be able to enforce the Conservation Area, allowing shop fronts such as Bet Fred, mean tourism is not a major part of the economy. Sadly the new round seating benches, nationally recognised as being anti-social in their design, hardly enhance what is at best a convenient, practical place for drivers to make quick visits to butchers, bakers etc thus generating much needed business for the independent shops placed within a short distance. I lived in Brandon for over 10 years and have now moved to one of the outlying villages, on which Brandon's prosperity does depend. It is such facilities, like parking on the Market Hill, that encourages me stop to do my shopping instead of just driving through the town. I am sure I am not alone. Yours sincerely Caroline Bullock

Objections and a petition received during the advertised period Appendix C

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b) Karen J Neville, 23 Melbourne Drive, Mildenhall

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c) Billy Feng, Peach Bower Restaurant and Takeaway, 8-10 Market Hill, Brandon

Dear Mr Heather Miller ; I am writing to objection a proposed prohibition of driving order, Market Hill. Brandon. trading conditions are already difficult with discretionary spending of the local community significantly impacting our turnover, our fixed cost s remain the same, the parking prohibition proposed by the council will only making difficult trading condition worse. we note that in the past year, The Flintknappers pub was closed for business, last week Five Bell pub has closed business in Market Hill too. our deep concern is that this prohibition will result in our business no longer being able make a profit, this will result in another empty commercial unit and will create a domino on other business nearby, The council have cited a poll that was attached to parish council election papers showing a large majority of those who voted to be in favour of a prohibition of parking in Market Hill, I am sure you are aware, with turnout less than 10% poll. can not behalf majority resident in Brandon, I have . in the very short space of time since the proposal being forward. collect over 300 signatures from local residents and people who use the Market Square , petition of 300 signatures has in Mrs Su Field Forst Heath district council, Ref: WS 7060. All the other Market Towns surrounding Brandon Mildenhall, Newmarket, Thetford , Swaffham, Bury St Edmunds and many morwe, allow parking on the market square on non market days, why Brandon so different? There should be 2 crossings for pedestrians, one in front of the Cinderella shop and one in line with the school lane, srores streety should be for deliveries to Market Hill shops and residents of Stores street only. I have been my business in Market Hill many years, I strongly object prohibition of driving order , will considerably reduce trading in the heart of Brandon, The local police and traders are of the opinion that with cars parked on the Market Hill ther has been a good reduction on antisocial behaviour. please take the above into careful consideration any deny the proposed prohibition of driving order. Billy Feng

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d) V Lukaniuk, 3 Hellesdon Court, Brandon

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e) N D Guthrie, Mr. G’s Bowling Centre, The Apartment Hotel, Market Hill, Brandon

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f) June Gray (Address not given)

I live in Weeting so need to park when I come to Brandon. 1. Being able to park on Market Hill just to pop to the bakers is great as the inability to get a parking place at either car parks , has got worse recently with the short stay at Aldi car parks. If I couldn’t park on Market Hill I would drive straight to Tesco for bread . 2. When attending doctor’s appointments at the Bury Road Surgery especially during school times it is impossible to park, which makes patients late for appointments. I have recently registers at Feltwell surgery partly for that reason. 3. To attract customers to local businesses you need to increase footfall, not rely on those who can only walk to town, I have to travel to Brandon by car am unable to walk far, & fed up with driving round looking for parking, so you see the cars are the businesses friends, their occupants increase potential business , otherwise you will find that the cars will all drive through Brandon, and look for a parking friendly town..Would it be terrible to allow customers to pick up their Chinese meal or pizza . 4. If you go to France, you are always able to park in the town square unless special events on . Those who have stopped the parking have gone to trouble to build parks often underground.. to keep the people shopping. I know there is no money but there’s a thought. I appreciate the safety of pedrestians & cars moving about but it is no different to the car park, If it help stopping Brandon becoming a ghost town it must be worth it.. Regards Mrs Gray

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g) Stephen Roach, 196 Park View, Brandon

Ms. Miller I vehemently object to the prohibition of parking on Market Hill, Brandon and request that you reconsider the proposed order. Ever since vehicular access was resumed, I have noticed an upsurge in town centre activity and, more importantly, a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour on Market Hill. I am informed by local traders that they have experienced increased footfall and, consequently, more business. In fact, the only problem that I can see is a self-inflicted one, i.e. the mixing of pedestrians and vehicles without any formalities. The legality of parking on Market Hill was discovered by accident and the various authorities that could have done something constructive actually did nothing. As a consequence, very few drivers or pedestrians truly know what is required of them to stay safe. Parking on town squares goes on in towns around the globe without the sort of problems currently being experienced in Brandon. I believe that this is mainly due to the negligence of those organisations who profess to care about safety and town planning. In an unscientific experiment the other day, I counted the number of cars on Market Hill and then counted the number of parking spaces available in the two car parks, plus unrestricted places on the High Street and London Road. There were 29 cars on Market Hill and 19 available spaces, (we won’t even mention illegally parked cars!), so where are the cars from Market Hill to go on days like that? In my humble opinion, all that is needed is a little common sense. Make Stores Street accessible for access only, (not a cut-through), install pedestrian crossings by the school and the shop on the corner and mark out legitimate parking spaces, including disabled parking on the Hill. I would personally move the ashtrays, sorry planters, with seats around such that they do not constitute hazards to life and limb. Were they placed in that way deliberately? On a positive note, I am impressed with the construction that has taken place at each end of Market Hill. With sensible positioning of the planters, removal of the street light in the centre of Market Hill and proper demarcation of parking and rights of way, we could have an attractive and truly functional market place. Regards Stephen Roach 196 Park View Brandon Suffolk IP27 0LP Tel: 01842 814440

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h) Antonio Anjos, CeKiSabe 3 Café, Market Hill, Brandon

Dear Heather Miller,

Regarding prohibition and driving with exemptions and revocation on Market Hill, Brandon, we, CeKiSabe 3 cafe, feel that this measure would have a grand negative impact in our business, as the majority of our customers uses the car park facility on Market Hill. Therefore, we have gathered signatures for a petition to object this prohibition/restriction. Please see petition attached.

Look forward to hear from you.

Kind regards,

Antonio Anjos

CeKiSabe 3 management

i) Barry Kirchen (Address not given)

Probably too late but i was only made aware of this proposal tonight. I visit Brandon fairly often to enjoy an evening out or collect take aways from the rather excellent Chinese or to visit the very fine Itallian and Indian restaurants. The reason that I chose Brandon are (a) It's local and (b) I can leave my car in a well lit and busy area. The other car parks in the town are remote, quiet and easy pickings for any passing thief or random idiot. I am sure there are reasons for the proposal but from my point of view the only reason is a complete abscence of sanity. Many people feel the same way. Leave the parking alone and let the businesses thrive. They need all the help they can get, not a kicking from County Hall. Yours with hope of a sensible resolution, Barry Kirchen.

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Petition collected and submitted by Antonio Anjos, CeKiSabe 3 Café, Market Hill, Brandon

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a) Michael Flack, 7 Thetford Road, Brandon

Comments in support of the proposal received during the advertised period

Appendix D

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b) D G Rosh, 7 Bracken Rise, Brandon

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Brandon, Market Hill Prohibition of Driving Order Consultation Report Statutory Consultation A statutory consultation for the proposal was carried out in May 2011. The following consultees were invited to comment: Town Council, County Councillor, District Council, Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Freight Transport Association, Road Haulage Association. A summary of replies received is given below: County Councillor Bill Bishop – Expressed concern at the low turnout for the Parish Poll which supported the ban. Felt that the expansion of Forest Primary School and the new Italian restaurant should be taken into consideration. Generally supported allowing parking on Market Hill. Brandon Town Council – Fully supported the ban and also wanted further measures to restrict through traffic from using Old Bury Road and Stores Street. Forest Heath District Council – The district council forwarded separate letters from their district councillors for Brandon. Bill Bishop repeated his views, received separately, that the proposed ban would have damaging economic effects on businesses. Tony Simmons commented that he was in favour of the proposals. Eddie Stewart expressed his opposition to the ban. Both Cllr Bishop and Cllr Stewart did not feel the Parish Poll was representative of the views of the community. Suffolk Police – No issues with the proposal Consultation with Businesses A further consultation was carried out during August 2011 involving the various businesses who front directly onto Market Hill. Letters were sent to the following businesses/properties: Citizens Advice Bureau, Mr G’s Bowling Centre, Ladbrokes, Peach Bower Restaurant, Mark’s Greengrocers, Helen Ashby Opticians, Silver Scissors Hair Salon, D R Hyam Bakers, The Five Bells PH & La Dolce Vita. A summary of replies received is given below: Mr N Guthrie (owner of Mr G’s Bowling Alley and The Apartment Hotel) – Is opposed to a parking ban and feels this will damage the viability of his existing business and any opportunities for expansion. Mr and Mrs Feng (owners of the Peach Bower Restaurant) – Felt that the proposal would damage their business and suggested a ban operating for 24 hours was excessive. They suggest consideration of a limited ban during the morning and afternoon only – allowing parking in the evening. They also appended a petition including over three hundred signatures from customers who supported the statement “to allow parking in Market Hill”

A summary of the consultation carried out between May and August 2011

Appendix E

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Suggested Alternative Option Mr and Mrs Feng have suggested consideration of a limited ban during the morning and afternoon only. This would require going back through the statutory consultation process. This alternative will only partially address the safety issue as, in the evening, there will still be a conflict between pedestrians and vehicles although there is likely to be fewer pedestrians. If parking in the evenings/overnight is to be allowed then a restriction will be needed prior to market days on Thursday and Saturday to prevent overnight parking causing a problem to market traders when setting up their stalls. The variation to the restrictions depending upon the day of the week could cause enforcement issues with motorists failing to understand the different time periods of the ban on each day. Colin Bird 08 Sept 2011

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A report sent in by Cllr Bishop (who is unable to attend the Rights of Way Committee but requested the report is distributed to all members of the Committee)

To Cllr John Goodwin Chairman and all the Members of The Rights of Way Committee As the Local FHDC and SCC Cllr for Brandon I am very concerned about the future of Deprived Brandon Town should any of the current Parking Facilities be Banned. And I will outline my concerns. I arrived in Brandon as an Evacuee in 1941 and from that date until 1982 the Market Hill had a road, the B1106 to Bury, running through it with no trouble with any Parking. In that year the Road was diverted and the Market was Predestined. I was so very pleased to think that this would be The Centre Spot for all sorts of Entertainment, Sadly this has not happened, with my knowledge there has only been, at most, 2 or 3 events a Year. In 1984, there was an Order placed to prevent any Parking on the Market Hill. This was upheld although the Police could or would not Book anyone seen Parking. Slowly over the years the Market Hill Came to Life and the number of Shops, outlets has risen from 7 in 1982 up to 14 in 2012. This has caused a greater demand for Shoppers. The Current Car Parking ( without the Market Hill is The Bury Road Car Park which has 64 Spaces inc 4.D/A The George St Car Park which has 47 spaces inc 2 D/A The Community Centre Car Park which 23 spaces inc 2 D/A . There is now appox 24 Car parking spaces being used on The Market Hill and appox 8 spaces on Double Yellow lines along the Bury Road outside a G.P Surgery About 200 yards down the High Street there is an Aldi Car Park but that has now a 2 hour waiting for Shoppers. That might appear to be plenty of Car Parking Spaces but there are Major Changes to come about very soon. This is why I am so concerned. The Forest Academy, after the S.O.R. results already has taken 50 extra Pupils and another 50 extra Pupils are due in September 2012. The Community Centre will be demolished next with the Loss of 23 Car Parking Spaces The Old Forest School, directly next to The Market Place will be refurbished with A Library, A Child Care Centre A Police Office and an existing Playgroup. All of these items will bring extra demands on Parking. The fact that the Aldi Car has only a two hour stay has brought about the George Street Car Park is now being used All and every day by Traders and Workers in the High Street and Market Hill It is only fair that I point out the new Project will modify The Bury Road Car Park and provide an extra 13 spaces. Also at the rear of The Old Forest School there will be 15 spaces but these will be for the Police and some of the Staff in the Building. Please take into consideration that there only approx 2 D/A spaces and approx 7 spaces in our Busy High Street With regards to the results of The Parish Poll I would like to make it very clear that, whilst the Poll Results were (The question was) " Do you want car parking on

Appendix F

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Market Hill?" sand the results Yes Vote 65 No Vote 688 it was only a 11.71% turnout. Brandon has an Electorate of 6.428. A Parish Poll is not any way like a Normal Council Election . The Poll was only opened from 4-9 p.m, There were no notification to every Elector. There are no Postal Votes in Parish Polls and in Brandon we have 10331 Electors with Postal Votes. Another item which should be taken into account is that Brandon has an Aging Population of 1240 Citizen many, many of them need to get very close to our Shops G.P.s and other Services. Whilst I am very pleased that some work has been carried out to smarten up The Market Hill I ask you to help Brandon by keeping some Parking on this Civic Space. If at all possible I will try to get proper lining out . In the Neck of the Woods the Local Towns namely Newmarket, Mildenhall, Thetford, Swafham and many more do use their Market Squares for Car Parking. If there was to be an event them the Market Place can be closed Off. Thank you for your time

William Bishop Forest Heath District Council DDI