Councillors split over future of ‘deteriorating’ car park that could leave the authority facing hefty legal claims

Councillors are split over the future of a ‘deteriorating’ car park whose poor condition could leave the authority open to hefty legal claims.

Although Rochdale council does not own the car park at Cutgate Shopping Precinct, it has been responsible for its upkeep since 1976 when it took it on under a ‘deed of dedication’.

This means it could potentially be sued for any damage or injury sustained at the site.

The arrangement has meant the car park is available to the public free of charge. Regulars users include shoppers, visitors to the nearby doctor’s surgery, and worshippers at Cutgate Baptist Church.

But the council has had to fork out over £20,000 on patching the car park up over the last six years - and returning it to ‘pristine condition’ would cost £50,000.

The long term cost of running the car park is estimated at nearly £240,000.

There is no specific pot for this and any future costs would need to come from the Rochdale Township budget.

While washing its hands of the car park would therefore be a financially attractive proposition, it comes with a significant downside.

The owners could potentially limit its use to shop visitors only, impose time restrictions or introduce a pay-and-display scheme. Upkeep costs could also be passed on to businesses at the precinct.

And in an area where parking spaces are at a premium, the prospect has not been welcomed by all.

Spotland and Falinge ward councillor Rachel Massey told a Rochdale North Township committee meeting the ‘potential impact on the community’ was too great.

“Should the landowner introduce time limits - as we have recently seen at the retail site in Bamford - people will park outside the site causing the council wider problems,” she said.

Councillor Massey added that if residents could no longer park at the precinct they would ‘inevitably’ park elsewhere on Edenfield Road - creating further issues.

She was ‘not satisfied’ all options had been explored, and felt the council had ‘settled too quickly’ on a solution that resulted ‘in maximum loss to the community’.

The Labour councillor said: “The township has funded maintenance of several unadopted roads in the past and this car park also has community merit in the same way and is equally deserving of funds.

“The loss of the car park to the community must be the last resort.”

 

 

However, this put her at odds with fellow ward councillor Faisal Rana, who spoke in favour of relinquishing responsibility for the car park.

“Every time we go into the car park it’s full of potholes,” he said.

“I think this should have been implemented a long time ago to save the unnecessary costs, especially when there is no benefit for the council.”

Councillor Rana added: “I think we should recommend this to the cabinet and give control over to the owners. Even if they want to put any restrictions in place it’s quite normal.”

The third Spotland and Falinge ward councillor, Councillor Wendy Cox, said she sympathised with Councillor Massey’s position - but ultimately came down on Councillor Rana’s side of the argument.

“I do think we have a responsibility to be fair in how we deal with things and how much we spend on them when it’s not actually our land,” she said.

“While I’m not against this proposal - I think it’s a positive solution for the council - we need to be mindful of the needs of the community as well.”

While most councillors indicated they were in favour of relinquishing responsibility for the car park, Norden councillor Councillor Peter Winkler backed the comment made by Councillor Massey.

The final decision will be made by the cabinet at a future meeting.

The Rochdale North Township committee meeting was held on Wednesday 10 February.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter