Decision on Market Place recommendation
A short review was held
Revisions to the £4.5m transformation of Market Place, Cleethorpes, will go ahead without a general public consultation first, after all. At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, August 19, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Reform UK minority administration rejected for a second time a recommendation to have a formal public consultation before creating 12 seasonal-based parking spaces in Market Place.
The project is one of three Cleethorpes Masterplan regeneration schemes backed by Government Levelling Up Fund cash. When Reform took over the council three months ago, it did so on a campaign platform of potentially scrapping the Market Place project.
After a short council review, it was decided to continue but with revisions:
The introduction of up to 12 seasonal parking bays that will provide 30 minutes maximum free no-return parking within Market Place.
Use of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to provide flexibility between open and closed spaces on a seasonal basis.
The introduction of 1-hour free no-return parking at St Peter’s Avenue and The Old Vic car parks all year round for a two-year trial period.
Council leader Cllr Oliver Freeston (Reform – Croft Baker Ward) has previously cited informal consultation, such as when he door-knocked local businesses in the area, as evidence of public support for the changes. Councillors from other political groups have argued this is not sufficient to justify replacing the original planned layout and twice recommended at special scrutiny panels a public consultation.
At the cabinet meeting, Cllr Freeston and his fellow cabinet members rejected this recommendation for a second time. They did commit to a review 12 months after the changes to Market Place have taken effect.
The parking spaces change will still be subject to statutory consultation on new Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and Road Safety Audits of the proposed design. The bays are to be located outside Blend Coffee & Bar to Market Tavern.
“I’d just like to say that we appreciate the views of scrutiny,” Cllr Freeston said, adding that the cabinet had listened and deliberated outside of the meeting to come to a stance. “Ultimately, we recognise that the public just want some clarity,” he said, arguing going ahead without a public consultation provided this.
“By going to official consultation, it’s only going to cause more dither and delay,” said Cllr Freeston who also asserted the public “are fed up of the back and forth” over the proposed revisions. He highlighted that a TRO will still need to be completed for the seasonal parking spaces, which will involve its own consultation.
Cllr Freeston moved to agree the decision and for the council to review the arrangements 12 months after they have come into effect. The changes could be reversed back to the original scheme put forward by the previous Conservative administration if the review indicated widespread support for it, “or we could tweak it a little bit.”
Following the meeting the council leader said: “I would like to make it clear that I have spent a lot of time in and around Market Place and have spoken to businesses and residents all of which share the same concerns about parking. These changes address those concerns, and of course are seasonal so when we have events or visitors here in the summer, we can ensure the new Market Place is enjoyed by pedestrians. This is the very best decision for everyone, and I now look forward to seeing work progress,” he added.
Council democratic ping-pong over Market Place revision decision
The minority Reform UK administration took over in May and after a short review, decided to stick with Market Place’s £4.5m transformation, but with the parking revisions. What has followed has been a democratic ping-pong.
Ultimately, like MPs with House of Lords amendments to bills, the council’s cabinet has the power to reject scrutiny panel recommendations. However, rejecting such recommendations can risk other councillors being less willing to compromise in future.
July 10 – A special economy, culture and tourism scrutiny panel meets to discuss the proposed Market Place revisions. It recommends a public consultation before committing to the changes.
July 15 – At the council’s cabinet, made up of only Reform councillors as they lead the local authority, the recommendation is rejected and it is agreed to proceed with the changes.
July 22 – Call-in made by Cllrs Emma Clough (Labour – Heneage) and Trevor Crofts (Conservative – Immingham) on the Market Place revision decision. This seeks greater financial information linked to the changes, and calls for a formal public consultation.
August 10 – Another special economy, culture and tourism scrutiny panel, triggered by the call-in. Another recommendation for a consultation on the proposed 12 seasonal-based parking spaces.
August 19 – The council’s cabinet meets again and deals with the recommendation among other items. It says no again. The revision decision will now proceed, with a review 12 months after the changes.