Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 29 September

The notes from the previous meeting held on 29 September were received by the group.

A policy had been developed since the last PDAG to achieve a balance between traders promoting businesses and users moving safely around the towns. Traders would be restricted to displaying one A board at the back of the pavement, touching the premises boundary, in order for pedestrians to pass safely.

Members discussed the requirement for greater neighbourhood and business awareness to work towards reducing clutter, making the towns safe whilst still supporting local businesses. Members raised concerns regarding enforcing the policy, as resources would be limited.

Members were advised that a wider consultation would take place and consideration would be given to enforcement, publicity and training of correct A Board usage.

A finalised document would be discussed at a future PDAG before going to Cabinet.

The Forum Fountains had been closed during the pandemic, for two years. The fountains would normally be active during Spring and Autumn as the fountain can freeze in Winter and during the Summer months can become contaminated when used for play.

Members considered if the fountain should be removed, the filtration system upgraded or if it should be completely upgraded to a new model.

Members were minded to upgrade the current fountains. Councillors felt that they encouraged people to use the town, it was aesthetically pleasing and had a positive impact to the area and local businesses.

Members received a presentation on the review being undertaken on parking charges.

It was reported that there had been a major reduction in Parking income due to Covid 19. Recovery had been slow; predominantly due to less people using the car parks, people spending less time in town and a reduction in season tickers holders due to an increase in remote working.

Officers had compared car parking charges in Horsham with neighbouring Local Authorities. The review will look at four areas: individual urban car parks, rural car parks, parking disc prices, season tickets.

Councillors discussed the importance of increasing footfall in the town, ensuring that parking charges were at an acceptable level, and considering specific features of individual car parks.

Final recommendations will be considered at a future PDAG.

It was reported that there had been issues with parking in East Street, mainly due to people stopping at the end of the road to collect take-away food. Enforcement had been difficult and consultations would take place with the County Council and consideration would be given to providing a small number of parking bays.

Councillors considered that a balance was required to support the local economy and enforce parking issues.

An update was given on the permanent Community Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). Residents and businesses had been contacted in East Street with a few responses outstanding. Any business objecting to the TRO would result in a public enquiry.

There are no relevant items on the current Forward Plan

There were no relevant items on the forward plan.