Rochford Area Action Plan Focussed Changes: Market Square

Dear Sirs

RAAP - Consultation Market Square, Rochford

It is the view of the members of the Rochford Chamber of Trade, following a recent meeting to discuss the current consultation, Options 1 and 2, will have serious damaging effects on trade. We subsequently strongly oppose any reduction of free parking spaces.

It has been extensively researched in both the Portas and the Grimsey retail sector reviews that free, available parking is an essential ingredient to a viable town centre. These studies have not been recognised in your proposals together with our previous submissions. This hardly seems to represent fair and thorough consultation.

The Chamber's proposal, which has been drawn up with current legal specifications, is attached. This would maintain parking spaces, reduce the number of spaces for the taxi rank, improve the efficiency of available space, prevent congestion and enable enforcement. Traffic flow would be improved and additionally and most importantly it is achievable and cost effective.

The ability for shoppers to call into the Market Square quickly, park and leave is a feature that traders rely on. As can be proven from the aerial photographs taken from your own web site (appendix 2 attached.) Appendices 3 & 4 (attached) clearly demonstrate visitors' behaviour in relation to parking.

You mention in your report "Potential for parking in other locations." There is no mention of where this parking could be located and we cannot see where additional spaces could be created. On the contrary, the South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP) proposes a variation of the Traffic Regulation Orders to remove even more available parking under the Residents' Permit Parking Scheme. The Statement of Reasons, as attached (appendix 5) together with sheet revision number 004 TQ875 905 (appendix 6.)

All current proposals from RDC and SEPP remove available parking to the detriment of employers and traders in Rochford, undermining visitors, customers and clients. To pursue this with either options is a high risk strategy with no guarantee of success. Indeed, a visitor to Rochford would have a problem having absolutely no idea where they can legally park with a multitude of parking rules and regulations.



CAFÉ SOCIETY

Since the suggestion in the 2008 RAAP, the Café Culture has already come alive within the environs of the Market Square after the parking charges and regulations are removed for example, after 7.00pm. This includes Antica Roma, Allisandro's, four Indian restaurants, two Chinese establishments, Stavros Kebabs, Rochford Takeaway, fish and chip shop, eight Public Houses and a Hotel. It would appear that nobody has actually looked at the behaviour of people both during the day and evening. This is in addition to four daytime cafes/coffee shops.

The idea of a "Café Society" in Rochford is an attractive one, but the footfall in the town does not support this and never will with the proposed parking restrictions.

The environment of the Square is not conducive to the Café Society. This already exists in the surrounding areas as stated. We unfortunately do not enjoy a Mediterranean climate especially in the Square which is notoriously cool.

The majority of units in the Square do not have sufficient space to house a kitchen and tables and chairs sufficient for proprietors to sustain a viable business. What is the likelihood of approval being given for a change of use in the Square if The Reef (South Street) was turned down?



SUMMARY

In conclusion, we do not consider Options 1 or 2 in any way beneficial; the only viable option to retain the economic viability and sustainability of the Square is as per our proposal (attached)

A reduction in footfall that would follow fewer parking spaces would reduce profitability for ALL businesses. It is then likely that the banks would move out, together with the larger companies such as solicitors, Martins (housing the Post Office) and Greggs. It cannot be overstated that the viability of trade in any form would be in serious danger.

In addition, we are seriously perturbed that no consideration has been given to the economic viability of Rochford traders in the Residents' Permit Parking Scheme. On the contrary, it is deliberately designed to undermine it as clearly stated in SEPP's Statement of Reasons, of which RDC is a partner.