Object
Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP) Preferred Approach 2015
Representation ID: 2076
Received: 15/02/2016
Respondent: Stockvale Group
RICS paper 'High Streets Adapting for Change' discusses parking changes and out of town retail which provides free parking. Since 2007 many local authorities have increased parking charges significantly. In the SCAAP area this is a key issue which requires essential review. This is in contrast to the smaller districts of wider Southend on Sea, Leigh and Southchurch where the Council have extended free parking to 2 hours. Compared to Central Southend and the SCAAP area where parking for 2 hours is in excess of £3.30. In Stockvale Group's view this is a deterrent for people coming into Southend particularly for shopping. This combined with the poor spatial and environmental quality is a contributing factor to the decline of Southend's Town Centre.