Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to consider proposals and agree a strategy for under used housing garage sites

The Cabinet Member for Housing presented a report on a proposed strategy to improve garage management and enhance the parking facilities available to residents of, and visitors to, the Borough.

The Cabinet Member explained that the strategy would target dilapidated garage sites which would be either refurbished, fully converted into a car park or part converted to create a car parking and garage site.  The approach for each garage site would differ on a site-by-site basis and would be confirmed in consultation with Ward Councillors and local residents.

The Cabinet Member advised that the key aims were to provide a safer parking environment, reduce anti-social behaviour and enhance the appearance of the areas, while at the same time generating additional income for the Housing Revenue Account via a pricing structure that encouraged local use of the sites.

Cabinet agreed:

  (i)  The proposed strategy for improving garage management and enhancing the parking facilities available to Borough residents and visitors, as outlined in the report, and authorised the Corporate Director of Housing and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, to agree the detailed arrangements;

  (ii)  That the £500,000 provision made within the Housing Capital Programme 2012/13 be used to implement the first phase of works at the nine garage sites listed in paragraph 2.4 of the report;

 (iii)  The implementation of a garage and car park pricing structure for Borough residents in the immediate vicinity of the site, other Borough residents and non-Borough residents, as set out in paragraphs 2.15 to 2.18 of the report; and

 (iv)  To note that the day-to-day management of the service would be undertaken within the Housing Area offices.