extraordinary Council meeting - 22 july

Update 7 August 2024 

We held an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Monday 22 July at 7.30pm in Park Hall. 

The main item on the Agenda for this Meeting were the proposed changes to 'on-street' parking policies in Harpenden High Street. These proposals are being made by St Albans City & District Council (SADC). The Agenda and supporting papers can be viewed here - https://harpenden.gov.uk/the-council/council-meetings/council

Harpenden Town Council is a consultee on these changes and is not the decision maker. At this Extraordinary Meeting the Town Council considered and agreed its position regarding the proposals. This position is set out further down this page and was submitted to SADC as part of the consultation. 

We have now received a response from SADC and this is also set out below. 

SADC Formal Response to HTC Resolution Received 5 August 2024 

The letter can be viewed via the link here - SADC Response Letter

HTC Resolution Passed on 22 July 2024 

Harpenden Town Council (HTC) is committed to doing what it can to help encourage and sustain a vibrant High Street. HTC recognises the significant concerns that are being raised regarding the SADC parking proposals and also understands the financial pressures that SADC may have. We request that SADC actively engage with HTC in a joint approach to explore some alternative proposals that achieve a better-balanced outcome for all and in particular one that sees the retention of a substantial number of free bays.   

This joint approach would be delivered in the following way: 

a. Formal joint working between the Councils in the form of a task & finish group (TFG) with officer representatives from both Councils.

b. TFG meets for the duration of the public consultation so as to not cause time delays 

c. TFG operates under a clearly-defined terms of reference, with inputs from HTC and SADC Councillors that are from Harpenden. 

d. TFG engages proactively with relevant local stakeholders, in particular independent High Street retailers. 

e. TFG explores alternatives including (but not limited to) a mix of retained 1hr free bays and introduction of paid parking, if necessary, in appropriate locations. 

f. TFG reports to a joint panel of relevant SADC and HTC councillors for joint agreement on the most appropriate parking strategy for Harpenden.

g. Carry out a parking review by March 2025 and SADC hold off the implementation of any changes until then.