A CITY councillor has been left “surprised” by a letter revealing the county council’s resistance to housing in Brown Street car park.

Another councillor feels a reduction to car parking fees should be priority at this stage.

Last year, as part of the Salisbury City Council's Neighbourhood Development Plan, a consultation was launched to consider building a range of affordable and market housing on Brown Street car park.

This was in addition to areas in The Quarry on Wilton Road and Coldharbour Lane.

Last week however, a letter was sent to the city council clerk, revealing that Wiltshire Council will not be supporting these plans until its review of the local transport plan is complete.

This includes reviews of road safety and parking.

About the letter

The document sent to clerk Annie Child, written by and provided to the Journal by Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, waste, street scene and flooding, Cllr Mark McClelland, said: "The council has decided to resist any proposals for making alternative use of car parks until the outcome of the [local transport plan] is known.

"That is of course especially relevant in relation to Brown Street and Salt Lane car parks and means that the council will not support proposals for their redevelopment."

'Guided by residents'

City Councillor Annie Riddle (Ind) said this letter of rejection caused her “surprise”, following her “amicable chat” about the plans with the cabinet member.

Cllr Riddle, also Neighbourhood Plan steering group leader, said the authority must be “having a rethink”, as its own Central Area Framework proposes housing on Brown Street, adding she "isn't convinced the council knows what it wants".

Wanting the plans to be guided by the views of residents, Cllr Riddle said: "Last week at a social event Cllr McClelland and I had an amicable chat about the plan's progress.

"The city council has promised the community volunteers who have devoted three years to this project that we will complete our draft proposals and then consult everyone in Salisbury on them, and be guided by what they think.

"If they don't like the Brown Street idea we will not pursue it. That's what I told Cllr McClelland.

"So I am surprised by the sudden appearance of this letter.”

Needing council's support

Cllr Riddle added: “It appears to be a shot across the bows to deter anyone thinking of supporting the scheme, or perhaps to dissuade us from consulting on it.

"And legally speaking, without [Wiltshire Council’s] support we won't be able to progress with a development. But all the people of Salisbury deserve a say in their city's future.

"Goodness knows, they have little enough say under the current, centrally-controlled planning system, and who am I to deny them what limited influence the law allows them?"

Mayor's response

Mayor of Salisbury Caroline Corbin (Lab) welcomed the letter from Cllr McClelland, but believes for as long as the Brown Street site remains a car park, there needs to be a reduction in parking charges.

In a bid to improve footfall she said: “There should be low rates across Wiltshire which are the same.

“Why should a space in Devizes, Melksham or Amesbury be of less value than one in Salisbury. 

“The idea of introducing a visit to Salisbury as some kind of magical experience  for tourists has to meet the everyday usage of residents in its function.

“We need to ensure whatever reason you come to Salisbury for has desired outcomes."

Reduction to parking charges

“It is a feasible solution to charge much less per hour but have a flat rate across the county, meaning those who dwell here can feel relaxed and not overwhelmed by high charges and a shortened less relaxed trip,” Cllr Corbin added.

On the topic of conducting a parking study, Cllr Riddle said: "It's all very well Wiltshire talking about [parking studies], but they've been saying that for years. And only a couple of months ago they told the neighbourhood plan team we'd have to conduct our own.

“I'm not convinced they know what they want."

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