Controversial parking plans for Saltburn 'paused' for more consultation

Cars parked along Marine Parade where the changes are planned

A scheme to create more than 100 car-parking spaces covering part of seaside town's promenade have been "paused" because of "mixed views".

The plans for Saltburn's Marine Parade could see the pavement narrowed to make way for angled car-parking spaces.

A protest has been held by residents who claim that their community space will be lost.

Redcar and Cleveland Council's highways spokesperson said he was "hitting the brakes" to allow more consultation.

Carl Quarterman, the highways and transport portfolio holder for the authority, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he wanted a clearer idea about residents' and businesses' views.

He said he had "pored over" more than 1,800 replies to a consultation and "decided to hit pause over the changes to Marine Parade" until he is "crystal clear" on the views of people in the seaside town. 

Mr Quarterman added: "Once I have the data back, I will decide how we move forward."

The council wants to create angled parking bays on Marine Parade

Gemma Booth, who set up the group Saltburn Against Promenade Changes, welcomed more consultation saying "the people of Saltburn will be listened to, which is all we wanted".

"The prom is just such an important part of our town, it's somewhere absolutely everyone can come and get along together," she said.

Last month residents staged a protest, unhappy at the measures they say will reduce access to a section of Marine Parade.

They claimed the new spaces would not greatly increase parking provision as some parking would also be lost on the town side of Marine Parade with the introduction of double yellow lines.

A spokesperson for the council said the proposed double yellow lines would allow motorists to enter and leave the new parking bays safely.

The plans also include 20mph speed limits in the area.

Saltburn councillor Stuart Smith said the issue was not just about parking, it was also about creating a safer environment on Marine Parade, which at times was "congested and dangerous".

In May the council was given £600,000 by the Tees Valley Combined Authority for restoration and repairs along the road to "enhance visitor experience" and restructure the promenade.

The money has to be spent by April 2024.