The deadline is looming for Honiton residents to have their say over the potential introduction of pay and display parking charges at The Beehive.
East Devon District Council hopes to lease the car park from the town council and raise revenue of up to £10,000 a year.
If given the green light, the cash will be equally shared between the two authorities.
The plan was mooted following complaints over unauthorised use and after the district council realised the town authority should have been paying business rates for the spaces. A public consultation is now under way.
A pay and display system could free up spaces to ensure those using the venue have a better chance of finding a parking spot.
A report considered by district councillors last year stated: “There is clearly the potential for this car park to generate significantly higher revenues based on the success of attractions at the community complex on the ground floor of the Beehive, but fettered of course by any charging dispensations that we decide are appropriate.”
However, residents opposed to the introduction of pay and display say they are already paying for The Beehive through their council tax and that those who can least afford parking will be hit by the charges – including parents with young children and pensioners.
The deadline for comments is July 19. If you want to have your say, write to Legal Services, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton EX14 1EJ.
