SHAFTESBURY Town Council will debate the future of free parking at Barton Hill with the possibility of introducing charges or a permit scheme now firmly on the table.

Barton Hill car park, which provides 74 free spaces, is owned by the town council.

However, the issue has come under scrutiny after town hall staff were unexpectedly hit with an £8,600 annual business rates bill from Dorset Council last year.

Councillors have been warned that the cost places additional pressure on the town’s precept.

A survey carried out in July offers an insight into how the car park is used. Of the 110 drivers questioned, 66% were visitors rather than town residents.

More than half (55%) said they were parking for work-related reasons, while 58% reported using the car park several times a week.

Members will consider three main options: keeping the car park free, introducing parking charges, or bringing in a permit-only system.

A report prepared for councillors sets out the advantages and drawbacks of each approach.

It notes that free parking, promoted positively as in towns such as Verwood and parts of Weymouth, can attract visitors.

The report also highlights that 13% of Barton Hill users are visiting the Lido, a town council asset, and warns that introducing charges could deter users, particularly when nearby leisure facilities offer free parking.

The biggest downside of maintaining the status quo is the ongoing business rates bill.

Some of this cost is currently offset by income from hiring the site for events, generating around £3,000 so far this year from bookings including Oktoberfest and an inflatables event.

Introducing charges could make the car park cost neutral and potentially create an income stream, reducing the impact on the precept.

However, officers caution this could lead to increased on-street parking on narrow surrounding roads, conflicting with neighbourhood plan policies.

There are also concerns Barton Hill’s distance from the town centre could make it less viable than Bell Street or New Road, and that charges may affect community groups using nearby facilities such as the Silver Band Hall.

A permit scheme is also outlined, although similar issues around enforcement and take-up apply.

If councillors vote to pursue charging, the report recommends a public consultation before any final decision is made.

Shaftesbury Town Council will discuss the options when it meets tomorrow evening (December 16) at 7pm.