Draft Minutes of Snodland Town Meeting to discuss Car Parking Charges
Held on Tuesday 16 October 2007
at Holmesdale Technology College, Malling Road, Snodland, Kent

Chair: Anne Moloney (VC Snodland Town Council)

Also: Karole Reynolds (Representative from Highways), Matthew Balfour (Representative from TMBC), Daniel Brown (Minute Meeting), Linda Hasemore (Members of the public whose names and addresses are listed on the attendance register.)

Meeting opened at 19:30

Anne Moloney opened meeting highlighting concerns raised earlier in year over possible charging. Explains Linda Hasmore not happy with previous meetings which is why public meeting called. Asked that mobile phones be turned off. Asked all to sign attendance register- legal requirement.

Linda Hasemore thanked all for turning up. Explained prospect of charging for car parking in Snodland ‘horrendous’ as idea would kill off community. Explained meeting called so that all could have their say and because questions had not been answered at previous Town Council meetings.

Matthew Balfour stated Borough Council had duty to ensure all communities have as good parking as they can. Highlighted a need for residents to have parking outside their homes as well as parking available for business. Stated this needed to be found out through carrying out research. This had been done in Borough Green. Felt if parking in Snodland was too expensive people will go elsewhere. Places in Snodland dangerous because of parking levels. Stressed the importance to carry out research and then public meetings can take place. Stated that only after this will a decision be made with communities views taken into account but that this is a long way off yet.

Alan Totham spoke of the town centre being built before arrival of cars which led to parking problems from the start. Hoped consultation dealt with the issues. Stated more thought needed to facilitate parking in town centre. Pointed out that trade in town centres was dwindling. Stated that a parking survey had been sent out with a response of ‘no’ to charges but more spaces needed. Pointed out that charging made going to shops non-viable. If charges introduced there would be the possibility of losing bank and Post Office. If charging introduced then Tesco’s and Martin Sq would be the first to benefit. Felt further though should be put into further parking spaces. Matthew Balfour stated the introduction of charges would only be introduced if it was wanted. Alan Totham felt the revenue costs would not cover the cost of ticketing or policing. Stated yellow lines led to difficulty in parking in Snodland. Stated that the consultation, when it comes, should be embraced by the people of Snodland and required full participation.

Michael Langridge a Malling Road resident. Pointed out difficulties of parking on Malling Road. Felt charging would cost £2-300 a year per car. Pointed out there is a risk to children using Malling Road as a thoroughfare. Felt charging for parking in Snodland would discourage potential employees of local businesses.

Gemma Hutchinson (local resident) voiced disappointment at Borough Councillors not voicing her concerns more at a Borough meeting. Stated TMBC and STC must represent views of people on this matter. Asked who consults the people of Snodland and will STC represent Snodland?

Matthew Balfour stated that the Town and Borough Councillors had read the report which stated nothing would happen until public consultation happens. Pointed out that safety was a big point and that the town has too many cars for the town to sustain. Stated that there was a need for a solution which was why the planned consultation was taking place. Explained the issue of displacement parking. Pointed out solution found in Tonbridge. Stated solutions need to be found and no good unless questioning carried out. Charlie Grayhurst stated he knew consultation was coming but the issue of charging for parking in Snodland had not been noticed prior to STC Planning meeting on July 18 th. Felt this idea could have gone to TMBC and been accepted then. Matthew Balfour stated report did not say parking charges would be introduced in Snodland it said if consultation pointed to a need for it, it could be introduced.

Matthew Balfour pointed out Martin Sq had a fragile economy and economy was equally fragile in Snodland. Doesn’t want to affect this. Stated nothing had been decided. Pointed out that if consultation said no to parking then it will not happen.

Barry Miners supported what Gemma Hutchinson had said. Proceeded to read minutes of Planning meeting on July 18 th. Stated that at TMBC meeting only Anne Moloney spoke against introduction of charges. Supported Alan Totham’s views. States consultation to take place does not match TMBC meeting. Feared Councillors did not oppose it. Asked why, if consultation is to take place in March/April 2008, was there a need for a resolution accepted by TMBC in July? Asked why was there a need to have a principle of parking charges agreed on 23 rd July? Stated people had signed a petition and did not feel TMBC had gauged public feeling on the matter. Was disappointed TMBC were not supporting opposition. Barry Miners then thanked the two Liberal Democrat Borough Councillors for voicing opposition to introduction of parking charges. Asked Councillors to take message to TMBC.

Anne Moloney thanked all for comments. Stated that the STC and local TMBC councillors had taken the view of listening to everyone’s views before responding. Pointed out that some people in Snodland supported the idea of West Malling plan and possible charging. Stated that STC councillors wanted to listen to all views prior to any response. Anne Moloney then asked if any present supported case for charging – no response. Spoke of Linda Hasemore’s question of finding a solution if not parking charges.

Paul Hickmott stated he had carried out three consultations and that there was no easy answer. Said that car park was dysfunctional. He then explained previous consultation results. Suggested twenty spaces from High St be made 1hr parking, spaces adjoining the cricket meadow be made 2 hr parking with places available for residents parking. Suggested parking in Rockfort Rd opposite side to car park. Was willing to share information but not to support charging. Said better use should be made of Council assets. Proposed a Town Poll.

Anne Moloney suggested Town Poll premature in meeting. Stated a need for all to speak first.

Graeme Miners asked for more feedback from Councillors. Stated he had issued leaflets initially concerning parking charges. Disappointed Borough Councillors had not aired his views at meetings. Stated the people of Snodland were not happy and that Councillors had not made peoples views clear. Stated he wanted to hear more from Town Councillors on the issue. Wanted reassurance from Borough Councillors and stated he wished to second Paul Hickmott’s proposal for a Town Poll.

Anne Moloney apologised for the feelings of Graeme Miners. Stated that there was confusion on the issues on the 18 th July. Stated that the STC were unaware of details of Borough council Car parking meeting, at meeting of July 18th. Stated that the introduction of car parking charges at the time was not the case at all. Stated that STC and TMBC Councillors would absolutely represent the views of the people of Snodland. Did not feel the Councillors had a problem with the issue of holding a consultation. Invited solutions.

Snodland Resident said he had attended meeting on July 18 th and on the 23 rd the Kent Messenger had printed charging proposals. Snodland Town Councillors asked to stand and identify themselves..

Alan Keeley stated there had always been parking problems and issues with yellow lines. Stated car parking essential to the town. Stated a need to look at ways of dealing with the issue. Did not feel there was room for another car park in Snodland. Suggested that parking charges would change shops in Snodland and effect town centre.

Matthew Balfour agreed with most of what had been said. Stated double yellow lines were necessary in places but wanted to look at it. Stated that the point of the meeting was that consultation had not yet taken place. Stated that car parking charges had not been discussed yet. Stated businesses elsewhere request parking for over 4hrs. Stated that consultation would take place next year. Agreed that businesses in Snodland should be allowed to thrive. In response to questions from Graeme Miners stated that there was no point in ideas until research carried out and nothing had yet been agreed because nothing had yet been asked.

Charlie Grayhurst asked what would have happened if there had been no objection to charging at Borough meeting.. Stated whatever happens after consultation and say on proposals wants it to be successful. Barry Miners raised the issue of the principle of charges.

Matthew Balfour responded that without the principle nothing could be asked. Stated the principle could be looked at and then proceeded to detail the Borough Council decision.

Linda Howick understood the feeling of those present. Feared there were no long term visions for facilities. Felt more parking space was needed. Stated that a poll would cost money and this money could be better spent on facilities. Stated she understood the feelings of the Chamber of Commerce. Stated she would rather see the Borough knows money was coming in for future parking spaces. Wanted the Borough Councillors to listen to the people and to put money where needed.

Alan Totham thanked those for their support. Stated disappointment at housing going on land of old surgery which could have been used for parking spaces. Opposed to parking charges but felt maybe there would be possibility of charging long term parkers with permits for residents. Was in no doubt that a consultation was envisaged but asked why report went in to such details on potential charges. Felt there was nothing being done to allay fears.

Roger Humphreys stated yellow lines in surrounding areas caused parking issues. Places needed for both residents and businesses.

Derek a High St resident said High St had already been decimated. Stated the area of the old Catholic Church would be ideal for future parking spaces. He then detailed confusion among all Councillors at meeting of 18 th. Felt STC merely wanted money.

Anne Moloney stated STC had opposed what they thought would happen which was an introduction of charging without consultation. Stated that the STC would continue to oppose any proposal for Snodland without consultation.

Derek Way pointed out that residents of Malling Rd had no parking and double yellow lines.

Matthew Balfour agreed this was an issue.

David Lettington did not feel discussing the issues of the past was of any use. Stated a need to come up with solution for the future which could involve removing the recycling bins from the car park. Suggested the spending of T&MBC capital funds on a solution.

Gemma Hutchinson agreed with Graeme Miners and asked Matthew Balfour who carried out the consultations.

Karole Reynolds stated she carried out the consultations as a Highways Engineer. Stated consultation involved 1 st build up plan of what happens on towns’ roads, 2nd to go to every registered property in Snodland with a questionnaire, 3 rd to collate the results into an outlying plan, 4 th to take this plan to community, 5 th to ask for views on this plan, 6 th to develop this plan.

Alan Totham asked if Karole Reynolds was a member of TMBC and how long initial survey would take and how long to return to residents.

Karole Reynolds stated this depended how many responded to questionnaire. Normally one month to respond, 2 months to bring an outline plan. Karole Reynolds was then asked, when monitoring, would she ask why people were parking in the car park and responded by saying this would be asked and a registration survey would be included. Asked if she was under pressure from TMBC to generate money, responded ‘no’ that all information would be taken from local people. Asked if local businesses such as taxis service and garage opposite would get asked about using car park. Responded by saying that feedback was needed from locals on this. Asked if residents of Malling Rd could gain access to their back gardens from the car park. Responded by saying if this was brought up in consultation this would be looked in to. Linda Hasemore stated this had been looked into in the past and was unsuccessful.

Anne Moloney asked for a decision of what to do. Should STC and Borough Councillors be asked to represent the views of the town in a resolution or should there be a Town Poll. Town Poll and how it works was explained. It was explained that a vote could be carried out at the meeting, or a Town Poll could take place at a cost of an estimated £2500. It was explained a Town Poll would not invite local businesses or visitors to vote and that a Town Poll is not legally binding on anybody. Asked who wanted a resolution not a Poll – small response.

Paul Hickmott continued that he felt there was a need for a Town Poll. He stated this would be a proper test of public opinion.

Asked for indication of ten electors present names and addresses for a Poll. Response – names given as follows:

Paul Hickmott, 5 Pout Rd Snodland
Colin Capeling, 36 Malling Rd, Snodland
Kevin Thomson, 126 Malling Rd, Snodland
Michael Thetford, 37 Hollow Lane, Snodland
Jason Boyes, 122B Malling Rd, Snodland
Derek Way, 27 Veles Rd, Snodland
Alan Keeley, 30 Norman Rd, Snodland
Michael Langridge, 78 Malling Rd, Snodland
Marjorie Humphreys, 102 Malling Rd, Snodland
Sandra Miminhia, 75 Malling Rd, Snodland
Janet Aindow, 6 Bramley Rd, Snodland.

Town Poll agreed and to read:

‘Should Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council introduce charges for the use of Snodland car park in Rocfort Road? Yes or no?Proposed by Paul Hickmott, Seconded by Michael Thetford.

Anne Moloney asked if everyone present agreed the question. Positive response
Anne Moloney asked if anyone present was against the use of the question – no one against.

Proposal successfully agreed through vote.

Meeting closed 21:30