Agenda item

Agreed to commence a process to make a permanent off-street parking order at Dinas Dinlle Car Park and delegate the authority to the Head of Economy and Community in consultation with the Cabinet Member and the Head of Legal Services, to prepare an order which will make the experimental order permanent, and then place a notice of this in the press in accordance with Regulations 22 and 23 of the Regulations.

The report was submitted by Cllr. R. Medwyn Hughes.

DECISION

Agreed to commence a process to make a permanent off-street parking order at Dinas Dinlle Car Park and delegate the authority to the Head of Economy and Community in consultation with the Cabinet Member and the Head of Legal Services, to prepare an order which will make the experimental order permanent, and then place a notice of this in the press in accordance with Regulations 22 and 23 of the Regulations.

DISCUSSION

A report was submitted stating that it was for the establishment of new arrangements for the permanent payment for parking at Dinas Dinlle Car Park. It was explained that Cabinet had approved moving forward with the implementation of savings schemes which included the introduction of parking charges on Dinas Dinlle beach.

It was expressed back in 2022/23 that the department had identified resources to carry out work to upgrade the car park and was successful in attracting a grant from the Welsh Government's Brilliant Basics programme. It was noted that work had been carried out to resurface, adapting the entrances, marking parking bays, providing a bus stop, landscaping and upgrading facilities. It was stressed that the investment was very important as the beach as very popular and attracted many local visitors and tourists.

It was explained that a trial period had been held in the summer of 2024 where parking fees were to be paid for a temporary period, and following the trial a public consultation had been organised to invite feedback from residents, local businesses, users, statutory organisations and local groups. Llandwrog Community Council was thanked for its input throughout the period. The main points following this period and the recommendations for developing better arrangements were highlighted which included

·         Introduction of seasonal fees between 1 March and 31 October

·         Introduction of a season ticket for a reasonable fee

·         Introduction of a free hour as a part of the proposed fees structure.

The next steps on the journey were highlighted which were to commence legal action for the introduction of an Off-Street Parking Order, and as part of the process consultations with statutory and local organisations as well as a public consultation period would be undertaken.

The Local Member noted that the beach was extremely popular, and thanked Llandwrog Community Council for responding to all consultations. Thanks were given that the recommendations following the trial period included an affordable season ticket and that fees would be charged between 9:00 and 17:00. The upgrades that had been done were highlighted emphasising that the facilities were much better. The need to ensure that funds were earmarked to maintain the standard of the car park was noted. The need for a cycle path that would be useful and safe for people to be able to get to Dinas Dinlle by bike or on foot was noted.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·         The decision was supported stating the need to maintain the standard of the site and ensure that funds were earmarked to do this.

·         It was expressed that the decision was not an easy one but part of a number of difficult decisions to secure services across the county. It was welcomed that the standard of the car park was much higher and ensured that the location was more accessible for users. Thanks were given for making the first hour free, which gave people the opportunity to go for some fresh air on the beach without having to pay.