Controversial CCTV cameras will need to be removed from a car park in Wirral after a retrospective planning application was refused.
The controversy was that blue badge holders claimed they were being charged large fines for parking in the car park. Wirral Council’s planning committee was previously told the cameras were making people “terrified” to shop in town.
The decision was unanimous despite recommendation for it to be approved. A linked application on advertisements was approved incorrectly in September and an investigation is ongoing to find out why this happened.
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Councillors said the impact of the cameras was already known, pointing to evidence presented by Liscard councillors Daisy Kenny and council leader Janette Williamson. They argued it would badly impact the recovery of Liscard from the pandemic.
Cllr Williamson said the company that manages the car park, Smart Parking were "preying on people’s misery”.
She said: “Smart Parking’s business model is based on fining vulnerable people. They don’t bank on getting the parking charges. They’re very low. That’s not how they make their profits.
“They came into Liscard which was on the up and starting to recover post-Covid and they implemented a scheme which confused people at best and completely bypassed a lot of people.”
Cllr Williamson said Smart Parking had admitted to refunding more than 2,000 people for incorrect charges.
A spokesperson for Smart Parking said downward trends in numbers were similar to other areas and said the appeals process meant incorrect fines were cancelled, and they had sought to work with residents.
Cllr Kenny said data using GPS tracking showed there had been a larger drop in people around the shopping centre compared to trends seen in Birkenhead.
Cheers erupted from a large number of members of the public after a disruptive meeting where protesters were threatened with being removed from the room by Chair Stuart Kelly.
Cllr Kenny told the committee: “Prove that you represent the people of Wirral and please vote to reject this application.'' Afterward, she said: “I am very glad the residents and businesses have been heard.”
Smart Parking, who manage the car park and introduced the cameras, will have the right to appeal.
Rebecca Lowe, who owns a florist shop in the shopping centre, said she helps residents all the time in avoiding fines. She said her business had seen a drop of 11% in customers despite seeing a recovery from Covid.
She said: “I love Liscard and I have traded her for years. I don’t want to move but the financial impact of this to my business means I can’t go on much longer."
The committee thought it would have a good case in that scenario but Cllr Steve Foulkes said: “We have to be extremely careful and rigorous in our structure” due to the risk of appeals.
Cllr Paul Stuart proposed the vote to refuse saying the cameras had already hurt Liscard. He said: “At times when I have gone into Liscard it is like a ghost town.”
Councillors criticised comments made by the solicitor for the applicants, Derek Millard-Smith, about Liscard. Mr Millard-Smith said: “I don’t want to be rude but is there a particular issue with the ability to put in number places in Liscard?”
This prompted boos from the public in attendance. Cllr Stuart said: “To be so offensive after you have heard was disrespectful.”
After more criticism, Mr Millard-Smith apologised. He explained it was to ask “is there something we need to know specifically about this area.”
Mr Millard-Smith said that Smart Parking “fully understands the emotive discussion” and offered for the Liscard councillors to contact him.
He defended parking attendants, who were alleged to be found “hiding behind the bins”, saying “they are on hand to assist the public with any queries and they are trained.”
More councillors came out against the application with Cllr Julie McManus calling the situation “shocking.”
Three other applications were considered by the committee. An old care home will be demolished in Heswall on Farr Hall Road despite concerns over the impact it may have on trees near the site. Cllr Andrew Hodson spoke against the application in the end it was approved seven to five.
Cllr Andrew Hodson also spoke against another application to build one dwelling on Piper’s End in Heswall. He said: “I am really perplexed why this application is before the committee tonight.”
Jeremy Forsey, who wanted to build his “dream retirement home”, said he was told “big money in Heswall was going to stop the application” and had to call the police over a threat.
The application was criticised by Cllr Kathy Hodson for being “unneighbourly” but it was approved eight to four.
Finally, councillors reviewed an application to demolish a derelict warehouse and build a three storey dwelling in its place.
Paul Martin asked for it to be deferred. He said: “It would be fair to the residents if we advised that it was to be deferred so it can be considered fully and fairly at the next meeting.”
Cllr Martin was told this could set a precedent given the application has already had consultation. However it was later deferred so that proper consideration could be given to the application given the late hour.
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