New Parking Charges Approved at Humberston Coastal Car Park

Humberston Car Park Charges Approved Despite Local Opposition

Humberston Car Park Pay and Display Plans Approved Despite Local Objections Plans to introduce parking charges at St Anthony's Bank Car Park in Humberston have been approved despite objections from residents, councillors and a local MP. The car park is owned by North East Lincolnshire Council but leased to Haven Leisure Limited, which wants to introduce pay and display parking and prevent camper vans from staying overnight. The approved plans include two pay and display machines, an automatic number plate recognition system, new signage and a 2.7-metre height barrier. New Parking Charges and Height Barrier Haven Leisure said the changes would help better protect and maintain the car park, while the height barrier is intended to stop camper vans using the site overnight. Councillors approved a condition requiring the barrier to remain lifted between 07:00 and 22:00. The planning applications attracted 64 objections from local residents, while Humberston Village Council also opposed the proposals. A petition backed by Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, has collected more than 1,200 signatures against the changes. The petition argued that introducing the new parking arrangements could reduce access to the coastline and potentially affect local tourism. It also raised concerns that vehicles could simply move to other roads within the Humberston Fitties area, potentially creating additional parking pressure elsewhere. Council leader Oliver Freeston said the land belonged to the council but was subject to a long-term lease with Haven Leisure. He said the lease did not contain a clause preventing the company from introducing parking charges, meaning the council could not stop the changes on that basis. Council Approves Parking Infrastructure The applications were considered by councillors as planning matters, meaning the decision focused on whether the proposed infrastructure was acceptable for the area. Most councillors voted in favour of the plans, allowing the pay and display machines, ANPR system, height barrier and associated signage to go ahead. For drivers visiting St Anthony's Bank Car Park, the changes will mean a new parking system once the approved arrangements are implemented. The proposals also show how parking charges can affect access to popular coastal locations, particularly where visitors may previously have been able to use a car park without the new pay and display arrangements.