New parking charges for Stanmer Park start tomorrow

Visitors to Stanmer Park will have to pay for car parking from April 1

Brighton and Hove City Council said the changes are being introduced in response to concerns from residents and visitors about parking problems in the park during the day.

The charges vary depending on time and location but will range from £1 for an hour to £6.50 for 11 hours. Signs have been erected throughout the park and warning notices have been issued by traffic enforcement officers alerting drivers to the introduction of paid parking.

The council said the new measures have also been designed to protect the heritage of the Grade II listed historic park and garden which is currently undergoing a £5.1 million restoration project. Income from car parking charges will be ring-fenced for use in Stanmer Park and the wider estate to continue the investment in, and protection of, important historic structures, and management and maintenance of the park.

A number of other changes have been made, including a new layout for parking, with the majority being away from the 18th century designed landscape. The number of parking spaces in those areas have been increased and overflow parking can be made available for peak periods, the council said.

There is new cycle parking for all, including Brighton Bikes, next to the walled garden and the kiosk at Lower Lodges West, and the layby opposite Stanmer House has been reduced in size and can only be used for drop-off and collection. Access to the historic walled garden is restricted to pedestrians, cyclists, business leaseholders and Plumpton College deliveries.

The council pointed out that access to Stanmer Village has been restricted to pedestrians, cyclists, authorised permit holders and Blue Badge holders only under a private parking scheme, as approved by the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee in January.

For those travelling to the park by bus, Brighton and Hove buses offer a £5 Breeze Return ticket on the number 78, which operates between Brighton and Stanmer Park every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday.

A review of the parking scheme will be carried out in 18 months.