Eastbourne Borough Council has launched a consultation into a proposed new parking permit scheme that would see some seafront permits rise from £40 to £924 per year.
The changes would also put an end to the right of Eastbourne residents to park on the Downlands for free.
The council said this move would “bring parking arrangements in line with other councils.”
However, the proposal has been met with significant backlash.
Eastbourne Conservatives have voiced their opposition, describing the proposed charges as “exorbitant, extortionate, and unfair”.
They said the plans “break a century-old commitment made when Eastbourne residents voted to directly purchase the Downlands through a special Act of Parliament.”
The Downlands came into public ownership after the Eastbourne Corporation Act of 1926 was passed, which allowed the local authority to increase local taxation to fund a compulsory purchase of the land.
Under new proposals, permits for Downlands parking would cost between £100 and £115 per year.
Councillor David Small, opposition finance spokesperson, said: “For a century, Eastbourne residents have enjoyed free access to the Downs – a right they paid for and were promised in perpetuity.
“Now, the council is tearing up that commitment with these extortionate prices.
“While I understand the council’s financial challenges, this decision is wrong, unfair to residents, and yet another blow to a community that has already endured years of service cuts while taxes continue to rise to fund the council’s colossal debts.”
Council-owned car parks on the seafront previously offered annual £40 permits. These would be replaced with permits ranging from £606 – £924 (or £550 – £840 if paid up front).
The council argues that the proposed changes are necessary in light of the financial pressures they are facing.
Councillor Colin Swansborough, cabinet member for community spaces, said: “Local authorities in the UK are undoubtedly experiencing the greatest financial pressures in living memory, and we are having to make difficult decisions to ensure services can be maintained.
“Many other councils are closing facilities altogether, but we are doing all we can in Eastbourne to avoid that.
“One measure is to bring parking arrangements in line with other councils while also remaining fair to residents and sustainable for council finances.”
The proposed parking permit scheme would apply to off-street car parks owned by Eastbourne Borough Council.
It would replace previous parking permit schemes offered by the council, including the leisure card, which ended in January 2025, and the bowls club permit and seafront permit, which will remain valid until their expiry date.
The council will continue to offer discounted parking for visitors to the South Downs National Park.
The consultation runs until April 4. To have your say, visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/Eastbourne-Parking-Permit-Consultation.
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
