Changes planned for the future provision of coach parking in the Cambridgeshire cathedral city of Ely have been deferred.
According to a report in the Ely Standard, a decision on the proposal to move the coach park from the current Barton Road site to Cresswell’s Lane next to Sainsbury’s and impose restricted parking only for coaches – has now been postponed until early next month.
As previously reported in CBW, the public consultation into the scheme closed on April 6. However, Cllr Richard Hobb, Chairman of the Commercial Services Committee (CSC) at East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) felt there had been insufficient time to deal with these ahead of its recent meeting. He dismissed speculation that the council couldn’t control what to do with the road “since we own it” and felt it was the right place for coaches to park. There was access to a toilet, it was convenient for the city and the supermarket café was nearby.
The latest CSC meeting heard representations from members of the public. It was said Cresswell’s Lane is unsuited since there is no turning area for coaches and the road is a cul-de-sac. It was also felt the road can only accommodate a maximum of five coaches – and concern was raised about conflict between coaches and LGVs delivery to Sainsbury’s.
However, Cllr Hobbs remained convinced the idea has merit – coaches would still be able to drop off at the Cathedral and return there later to collect passengers.
ECDC confirmed to CBW that the newspaper report was accurate, adding: “The Council received late representations concerning the proposed parking order. CSC deferred the item to allow discussions to take place. CSC will consider the item at its next meeting.”
