Testun llawn:
I have read the "Local Plan" with some considerable interest, and I have one comment to make which I believe needs serious consideration. My comment concerns CAR PARKING in general, but specifically for events in Kenilworth.
The preferred options in Transport, Transport Infrastructure,Parking and Tourism are being promoted,among others.
Consider the car-parking facilities available for events at Kenilworth Castle, the Abbey Fields and surrounding areas.
English Heritage continuously promotes Kenilworth Castle and organizes major events but the number of car parking places at the Castle is just inadequate to accommodate the number of visitors cars, and by a very large inadequacy indeed. Similarly with the annual Lions Bonfire Night and events in the Abbey Fields.
As a result of this inadequacy the surrounding streets are inundated with vehicles parking anywhere they can, including people's driveways and gardens. This is a fact. The law is capable of acting but fails to do so, presumably due to higher priorities. So, let us not revert to trying to solve the problem by demanding action from police resources and avoiding the need to tackle the root-cause of the problem---nowhere to park.
Of course we want to encourage Tourism, and Kenilworth Castle is an important magnet for tourists and visitors. Tourists bring welcome business to Kenilworth and the Warwick District. But the car-parking facilities are sadly inadequate. We must come to terms with the car and all that the car means to our infrastructure, and that includes the provision of car parking facilities. Let us make a visit to the Warwick District a pleasant experience, and a pleasant experience for everyone,including residents.
Therefore, I submit a request for the Development Policy to consider the needs for car-parking at future events in the immediate area of Kenilworth Castle, whereby cars are properly parked in provided areas and that the number of spaces available are sufficient for the projected needs of the future. For example, consider large capacity underground parking, where there is no visual impact on the environment. Prevent events taking place unless all the car-parking facilities required are made available.
May I suggest that the Development Services look at how other towns and cities have tackled the issue of car-parking. Most of the major cities and large towns in Europe have developed underground parking as a standard,rather than an exception and without losing the character of the area. Ask the question why do so many people drive to Touchwood in Solihull rather shop in Warwick, Leamington or Kenilworth. The answer may be obvious.
There are cost issues in my suggestion, but first let us get the principles right on what we want for our future, and the benefits