Update: Hopelands Parking Bays & Hopelands Court Parking Issues

Please read Cllr Gerald Lee’s letter below:

“This afternoon I met with a Cabinet Member and a senior Highways Officer to discuss both the proposed new parking bays in Hopelands and the ongoing parking problems in Hopelands Court.

You will recall my previous reports following two earlier meetings, where the response from Highways was positive and supportive. Today’s meeting was intended to move the project forward.

As with many Highways matters, there is a mixture of good and less‑good news.

You may remember that I previously obtained drawings from the gas, electricity and Openreach providers to identify any underground services beneath the proposed bay locations. Those drawings showed ducts and cables running through the areas earmarked for construction.

The Council has now carried out its own investigation and has identified very heavy electrical cables in both areas. Highways will therefore undertake exploratory digging to establish the exact position and depth of these cables. Only once this is known can they confirm whether the bays can be extended as originally planned.

Despite the complications, Highways remain fully on board. They accept the need for additional parking in Hopelands and will work to find a deliverable solution. This aligns with my concerns and attempts to improve safety at the Snackgate / South View / Millbank crossing. Highways have agreed to consider:-

• A reduction of the speed limit to 20mph

• The introduction of road cushions

• The potential narrowing of the carriageway opposite The Courtine – an idea I proposed and had accepted by DBC many years ago

Although I am disappointed by yet another delay, I am reassured that the project is now firmly in the hands of the Local Authority and will proceed in one form or another. I will continue to maintain close contact with Highways until final drawings are agreed and an installation date is set.

2. Hopelands Court – Residents’ Parking Difficulties

Members will also be aware of the long‑standing issues in Hopelands Court, where the parking bays should be available for the residents of the surrounding flats only.

Unfortunately, parents collecting children from school continue to drive into the Court and use these bays. When residents explain that the bays are intended for them, they are too often met with abuse. This has caused considerable distress.

For 27 years, I have repeatedly met with DBC to request that these bays be formally designated for residents’ use only. Each time, agreement is reached, behaviour improves for a period, and then the problem returns. This cycle has repeated many times.

The situation is not helped by:-

• Conflicting views among Council Officers about whether the bays can be restricted

• The fact that some of the land is unadopted, while Housing manages the remainder

• The impracticality and unfairness of introducing a £40 parking permit charge for residents, which I have made clear is unacceptable

I have therefore pressed for a single, consistent position across all departments - that Hopelands Court parking bays are for residents only. Once I receive written confirmation that this message has been issued to all relevant Council Officers, I will arrange for the school to circulate the same message to parents and hopefully when questions are asked in the future all officers will confirm that the Hopelands parking bays are for residents only - but don't hold your breath

Gerald”