Car park layout change at Symn Lane, Wotton-under-Edge

Changes to a stalled car park

The application varies the approved car park layout, removing a row of parking spaces to add disabled bays and other minor changes, after construction had stalled.

“The Majors and Environment Team Manager introduced the report and highlighted the following points: • The application was to vary the approved layout of the Symn Lane car park, originally approved in 2019 alongside houses to fund its construction. Construction had started on the site but had since stalled. • Officers had engaged with the developer and the Town Council to make positive progress to complete the project.”

“There was also an acknowledgement of the reduction in the number of parking spaces from the original plans, but Officers determined this to be outweighed by the positive community development provided by the scheme.”

Minutes

Ward Members split on the variation

One Ward Member welcomed the improved accessibility and urged approval to finish the long-delayed project, while another could not support further cuts to parking after an earlier petition against variations.

A resident objects to fewer spaces

A resident opposed the reduction in spaces from eighty to sixty-eight, questioned why the bank could not be built on, and noted a petition of over three hundred signatures against the variations.

Timescale and charging points questioned

Members asked about setting a completion date and the extent of electric vehicle charging provision, and were told a section 106 agreement would secure delivery timescales instead of a planning condition.

“Councillor Kambites asked to what extent a condition could be added for the completion of the project by a certain date. The Majors and Environment Team Manager explained that this could be an option, however his recommendation was for this to be included in the updated Section 106 legal agreement instead of planning conditions.”

“In response to Councillor Mathews, the Majors and Environment Team Manager indicated that following discussions with the developer on technical matters, the car park could open in the Spring of 2026 with a view to full completion in June or July of 2026.”

Minutes

Approved unanimously

The committee voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to updated conditions and a section 106 agreement to complete the car park as soon as reasonably possible.

“After being put to a vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.”

“RESOLVED That planning permission was granted, subject to the conditions updated within late pages and the negotiation of a suitable Section 106 agreement that completed the car park as soon as reasonably possible.”

Minutes