Plans to introduce residents’ parking in Larkhall have sparked concerns about the impact on the character of the village.
Larkhall Square in Bath
An independent survey is being run by the Larkhall Traders’ Group to understand how the Lambridge Residents’ Parking Zone (RPZ) being proposed by Bath & North East Somerset Council could affect people who visit or use Larkhall.
The council says it has seen growing pressure on available on-street parking spaces in the area, making it harder for residents to park near their homes and leading to more inconsiderate parking.
It says: “We believe that a new RPZ in Lambridge – plus the extension of Zone 27 into the Grosvenor Place area – will help address these issues.
“The Lambridge area includes a popular high street, thriving businesses, three schools, a park, several faith venues and a busy community hall, so it’s important that residents, visitors and local organisations have their say.”
An information session was held at the New Oriel Hall in Larkhall on Tuesday 4th November, when people could meet the council’s Liveable Neighbourhood Team and also view the results of the traders’ group survey to date.
The traders’ group says the proposal would replace most free on-street parking with permit-only parking, which may affect access for customers, staff, and community visitors.
They say they have been talking with every premised business in the village and have gathered feedback from hundreds of residents.
“While there’s always room to improve how our streets are managed, we’ve found unanimous concern among residents and overwhelming feedback from residents and users of the village hall that the proposed residents’ parking zone would do more harm than good, permanently damaging the character of the village.
“Our aim is not to reject change – we’re open to ideas that genuinely help people’s lives, fix the issues and make travel easier – but we believe those ideas must be backed by date and shaped with the community, not imposed against the wishes of the majority.”
The group adds: “Many of our local businesses rely on visits lasting more than two hours and over the past decade and more, Larkhall has become a place where people come to take their time – to shop, eat, do a workshop and meet others. That slower place and easy flow between venues are part of what makes the village work, and what any future plan should protect.”
To take part in the traders’ survey, visit https://tinyurl.com/fvetvyu8.
The deadline for comments for the council’s survey is Friday 14th November. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/59dfwr8z.
With RPZs, on-street parking is managed to prioritise residents’ parking while also considering the needs of the whole community. Residents and businesses that meet eligibility criteria can buy permits for the zone’s operating hours (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
The zone includes permit-holder only bays, short-stay bays for visitors near businesses and amenities, and double yellow lines to improve safety.
