Decision details

1.  To consider the updated operational cost predictions for Cobtree Manor Park.

2.  To consider the arrangements for the operation and management of the car park charging regime at Cobtree Manor Park.

1.  That the updated operational cost predictions for Cobtree Manor Park, as set out in exempt Appendix A to the report of the Cobtree Officer, be noted.

2.  That agreement be given to the operation and management of the car park at Cobtree Manor Park in accordance with the proposal set out in Appendix B to the report of the Cobtree Officer.

3.  That car parking Option 1, as set out in Appendix B to the report of the Cobtree Officer, be approved and that the car parking charges be set at £1.50 per day and £40 for an annual season ticket.

4.  That the car parking charges be implemented with effect from the opening of the Visitor Centre at Cobtree Manor Park.

At the meeting of the Committee held on 17 December adjourned to 22 December 2014, Members requested further details of the operational cost predictions for Cobtree Manor Park.

The proposal for the operation and management of the car park at Cobtree Manor Park, as set out in Appendix B to the report of the Cobtree Officer, has been developed in discussion with the Council’s Parking Services Manager.  Parking Services operate car parks in Maidstone Borough giving additional benefits to proceeding with the proposal.  Cash collection, machine repairs, maintenance and enforcement can all be brought into the existing operation thereby providing a saving to the Charity.  The system is already proven and will be straightforward to introduce.  The Council’s Parking Services Team can provide a service that covers the whole installation and operation of the new car park.

A pay and display system with three machines ensures that there is back up should one fail.

The Committee has already agreed in principle to the introduction of car parking charges at Cobtree Manor Park.  Option 1 should enable the overall costs of running the Estate to break even.

The Committee could have chosen not to note the updated operational cost predictions for Cobtree Manor Park, but this was not considered appropriate as the Committee had previously requested further detail on this point.

Another method of operation for the car park at Cobtree Manor Park could have been chosen.  However, this was not considered appropriate as the option of using the Council’s Parking Services Team means that any future issues can easily be resolved as they will be internal to the Council.

The Committee could have chosen to proceed with Option 2 and set the charge at £1 with a £30 season ticket.  This was not considered appropriate as the Park would be more reliant on subsidy from other parts of the Estate.  Given the financial uncertainty regarding the Golf Course this was not considered to be in the best interests of the Charity as it would leave it exposed to increased financial risk.