Hampshire County Council’s Cllr Lulu Bowerman approves proposal to introduce car parking charges at Saltgrass Lane and New Lane in Keyhaven, but defers decision on Marine Drive East and West in Barton

CONTROVERSIAL car parking charges will be introduced at one popular coastal beauty spot later this year – but a decision on a second has been deferred.

Proposals to charge along large sections of Barton seafront and at Keyhaven were this morning (Friday) considered by Cllr Lulu Bowerman, HCC’s portfolio holder for universal services.

But while she agreed with the proposals for Keyhaven, the decision on Barton was deferred.

Patrick Blogg, director of universal services at HCC, said recommendations on charges for Barton would not be put forward “to allow officers more time to look at the business case”.

“We’ll be bringing this back in due course, he added.

New Milton town councillor Robert Maynard, who was refused permission to address the meeting with his concerns, told the A&T he was “taken aback” by the deferral decision.

He said it was “an excellent sign” and added: “I think the local businesses will be very grateful.”

As reported in the A&T, the new charges for Barton are proposed along Marine Drives East and West, between 10am and 6pm, coupled with a ban on overnight parking by campervans and mobile homes between 8pm and 8am, as well as at Saltgrass Lane and New Lane in Keyhaven.

A number of spaces close to the Barton Court Avenue junction and outside seafront shops would remain free for up to two hours between 10am and 6pm. Additional free two-hour parking spaces have been added to the amended plans outside the Beachcomber Café and the Cliff House restaurant.

Parking at both sites is currently unrestricted, attracting regular complaints from residents due to mobile homes and campervans lining the roads.

Cllr Fran Carpenter, who represents Keyhaven and Milford, spoke at the meeting and explained residents were unhappy with the “high” number of campervans visiting Keyhaven, adding the “tranquil area” was being spoilt.

On a recent visit, she said there was “visible litter on the marsh, campervans – some as big as buses – packed as far as the eye could see, a van selling souvenirs and knick-knacks, and an Uber Eats car blocking the road while dropping off pizzas.”

Cllr Carpenter added: “A parish councillor also sent me a recent photo of a large sofa on the road next to a van, taking up a full parking space. I’m afraid this lovely area is often now used as, and looks like, a camp site or worse.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy Keyhaven, but some have taken advantage of this unique, natural area and something needed to be done.”

She added the plans were “fair” and would resolve “an obvious problem”, enabling everyone to “better enjoy this much-loved spot”.

Approving the plans, Cllr Bowerman said of a recent visit: “I was immediately struck by the narrowness of the roads and the impact these vehicles would have when parked on both sides on the road, and if there was an emergency situation, for example, how would the emergency services get through? I’ve also seen photos of New Lane and Saltgrass Lane when they are full to capacity.”

She noted there were no public facilities for people staying overnight, and “many residents” had asked for the controls to be introduced.

Cllr Bowerman added: “I think the scheme will bring order to this particularly beautiful part of Hampshire and I think it is very necessary to maintain full accessible travel at all times. With limited waiting and pay and display, I think the new proposals will manage this situation and I am very pleased to be able to approve this today.”