Town council considers legal action against parking charges

The town council in Watton - one of the communities where the fees are set to come in - has agreed to look into the possibility of seeking a judicial review into the process.

Watton town councillors have decided to act following comments by Breckland's leader, Sam Chapman-Allen, who said the charges "will come into force but the details will follow consultation".

Watton Town Council will be looking into the possibility of a judicial review against Breckland's processes for car parking charges. (Image: Newsquest)
They believe this shows the correct legal process is not being followed and are investigating whether they can ask judges to hear the matter in the High Court.

At a recent town council meeting, Peter Bishop proposed that Watton's chairman and clerk should meet with their counterparts in other Breckland towns to explore the possibility of a judicial review.

He said: "I would support to take a judicial review against Breckland because I believe they've acted illegally with what they've done."

He added: "As a first point, the clerk and chairman should meet to discuss the possibility of a judicial review. If nobody wants to do it, then we'll come back and see what we're going to do."
 

Tina Kiddell said Watton will keep fighting this development. (Image: Tina Kiddell)

Tina Kiddell, an Independent and Green Group councillor for Watton, said after the meeting: "The issue is the public consultation is happening after the decision to implement car park charges was made at cabinet on July 15.

"Breckland railroaded the decision without any questions being asked of the town councils or public.

She said: "It's been an upside approach with no democracy."

A Dereham Town Council spokesman said: "The council would like to explore options for joint working with other town councils in order to get the best outcome for the town.

"Dereham Town Council officers will be discussing options for collaborative working with other towns before bringing options back to the town council to decide.

Paul Hewett is encouraging people of the towns to share their views in the upcoming consultation. (Image: Breckland Council)
Paul Hewett, Breckland Council's executive member for property, projects and procurement, said it was "necessary to discuss and agree to change the parking model to one capable of charging" to meet budgetary pressures before it moved to a consultation on how best to implement the model.

He said: "In the coming months, we will be engaging with town councils and directly with residents to refine and shape what the charging model will look like."

People across the towns are being encouraged to participate in the consultation that will be happening in the autumn, with the results expected to be shared next year.