Despite more than 700 people signing a petition objecting to a proposal to remove all on-street parking on St Catherine Street in Ventnor (including five disabled bays), Isle of Wight council officers are recommending the plans go ahead.
A paper is being considered by the council’s Cabinet on Thursday 9th February and although the officers are recommending the changes, it does not necessarily mean that the Cabinet will approve the proposal.
There have been situations recently for traffic regulation orders (TRO) in areas such as Freshwater, Seaview and Ryde where Cabinet members have gone against the officers’ recommendations.
Results of consultation
The Isle of Wight council ran a consultation in 2022 for various proposed changes in Ventnor. The results of the consultation saw 141 people object to the plans for St Catherine Street (not to mention the 700+ via the petition), with 16 in support.
Officers say the changes are needed “to allow emergency and waste vehicle access in this very narrow lane”.
Jordan: Residents’ views will carry heavy weight in the Cabinet decision
Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, told News OnTheWight,
“I do thank all of those hundreds of residents that signed the petition and demonstrated their views in a very open and concerned manner.
“It would be very wrong to discount those views and I am certain they will carry heavy weight in the Cabinet decision.
“We are always listening to our Island and wherever possible will deliver the best outcomes, balancing competing views and needs realistically.”
Watch the meeting
All eyes from St Catherine Street and surrounding roads will be on the Cabinet next week.
If you visit the agenda on the day, you can click to watch the meeting live from 5pm
