At an Extraordinary Full Council Meeting on Thursday 23rd October, Thetford Town Council voted to take on the ownership of ten public car parks in the town from Breckland Council.
Breckland recently approached the five market towns in the district with proposals for each Town Council to take ownership and management of their local car parks. In Thetford, the ten car parking sites are Bury Road, Cage Lane, Castle Street, Pike Lane, St Giles West, St Giles East, The Link, White Hart Street, Nuns’ Bridges, and the Priory Main Entrance.
After reviewing the proposals and public feedback, Thetford Town Council agreed to accept the transfer of these car parks at no cost to the Town Council, on the condition that they remain free at the point of use. This decision ensures that the car parks remain under local control and are protected from future paid-parking schemes that could be introduced by a larger unitary authority.
Councillor Terry Land, Chairman of the Council’s Corporate Services Committee, said:
“This decision keeps Thetford’s car parks in local hands and protects free parking for our community. Residents told us clearly that free and accessible parking is vital for supporting our town centre and local economy. By taking ownership, we are ensuring that decisions about Thetford stay in Thetford. Through this and other decisions taken by the Council recently, we are determined to unlock Thetford’s potential.”
Earlier this month, the Town Council conducted a public consultation to understand residents’ views on the issue. The survey received 350 responses, with 80% supporting the Town Council taking ownership of the car parks and 67% preferring a Council Tax contribution to keep parking free rather than introducing charges. Many respondents highlighted how free car parking supports Thetford’s shops, markets, and wider town centre economy.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the car parking consultation. We were very pleased to have such a significant response, and the clear result helped councillors to make a decision on behalf of the public. We have listened to local opinion and acted to safeguard our car parks for future generations,” said Councillor Carla Baretto, Mayor of Thetford.
Thetford Town Council will now begin formal discussions with Breckland Council to complete the legal transfer and seek transitional financial support to assist with first-year costs and keep initial Council Tax increases to a minimum. The aim is to ensure a smooth handover, protect free parking, and secure long-term management of these valued community assets.
As part of this process, the Council will prepare the required submission under the General Disposal Consent (England) 2003, demonstrating the social, economic, and environmental benefits of keeping the car parks free and locally managed.
For more information on the results of the consultation, visit: www.thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
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