Home   News   Article

Mystery deepens over unauthorised private parking on Shingle Bank Drive in Milford




THE apparent new owner of a Milford street looks set for a bill after an attempt to create private parking on it was foiled.

Shingle Bank Drive residents were shocked when a sub-contractor started hand-painting 14 bays on its upper stretch last Thursday, including in a turning area.

Wooden signposts were added to each, stating they were for permit holders only, with long-term leases available.

The bays were painted on Shingle Bank Drive in Milford last Thursday
The bays were painted on Shingle Bank Drive in Milford last Thursday

There were particular concerns for the impact on vulnerable residents of retirement complex Homegrange who feared they would be left “isolated” if the scheme went ahead as it would impede visits by carers, relatives and friends.

But Hampshire County Council stepped in and removed the signs the following day, confirming it was an “adopted road” which fell under the management of its highways team.

And an HCC spokesperson has said the council will “look to re-coup any costs incurred... in relation to removal of unauthorised markings”.

The A&T has since learned a section of the upper stretch was sold, along with two other nearby areas of land, for £7,000 to an unnamed buyer through an auction site.

One of the hand-painted parking bays on Shingle Bank Drive in Milford
One of the hand-painted parking bays on Shingle Bank Drive in Milford

The listing said the parcels of land “may have potential for alternative uses and ventures, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable”.

Local county councillor Fran Carpenter told the A&T on Monday that highways officers were in discussions with those who marked the road and erected the signage.

Stating the matter was now at a “legal level”, Cllr Carpenter added she was “pretty certain” the road would be returned to how it was.

HCC sent the A&T a marked map which confirmed the affected stretch of roadway fell under its management.

The sub-contractor at work on Shingle Bank Drive last Thursday
The sub-contractor at work on Shingle Bank Drive last Thursday

“Only part of Shingle Bank Drive is ‘adopted’ as public highway and maintained by Hampshire County Council, as the highway authority,” the spokesperson said.

“The remainder of the road is private and ‘unadopted’, and therefore not the responsibility of the local authority.”

This latter part refers to the lower stretch of Shingle Bank Drive which is managed by the Needles Point Management Company.

On Monday, the A&T received a call from a man calling himself Damian, purporting to be a representative for the landowner, whose name he would not disclose.

He claimed the work carried out last Thursday had been the result of a “discrepancy regarding the conveyancing” which meant it was not known the road was managed by HCC.

“My client is accepting of the fact that right of way and access needs to be maintained on the highway,” he said.

“My client would like to apologise to the council and the residents for the disruption that was caused by the works.

“My client wants it known that they did not act intentionally unlawfully, and they are already working with the council to rectify any works/damage caused.”

The signage had been removed by last Friday afternoon
The signage had been removed by last Friday afternoon

The caller stated his client intended to carry out further work in the area to “enhance the community and local economy for the benefit of residents and tourists”.

But he would not disclose what form this work would take, saying it would eventually be made public through New Forest District Council’s online planning portal.

He also claimed the landowner intended to “give back to the community” by making offerings to local groups and charitable organisations in the future. But, again, he would not elaborate further.

He told the A&T a lease had been agreed for one of the newly-purchased plots of land, and on-street parking would continue to be allowed “unofficially”.

Confronted with complaints about carer and visitor access to Homegrange, Damian claimed his client did not know it was a care facility until “after the fact”.

“These are all question marks and points that should have been raised by the solicitor,” he continued.

“My client will be taking legal action against the conveyancing solicitor for his time, costs and the disruption caused to residents and businesses in the area.

“It is in my client’s best interests to have things resolved in a timely manner.”



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More