Parking cited as Oxfordshire Market Place plan criticised

Both Wantage Town Council and Wantage Chamber of Commerce have highlighted significant concerns around the county council’s plan to improve the local market square.

In particular they have flagged the removal of car parking spaces, with the scheme also set to make more space for markets and events, and new and improved bus stops.

READ MORE: ‘Significant issues’ flagged amid Oxfordshire market plan

Following an emergency meeting last month, the Chamber of Commerce said its members have a number of issues with current plans.

Businesses at the western end have questioned how day-to-day servicing would work in practice and whether the current proposals could unintentionally create difficulties for deliveries, loading and unloading arrangements and access for suppliers.

Richard Shepherd, president of Wantage Chamber of Commerce (Image: NQ)

In addition, further issues have been raised following the county council’s separate proposals relating to additional parking restrictions and residents permit schemes in central Wantage.

Combined with the loss of parking through the Market Place project, businesses are struggling to understand how reducing parking and introducing further restrictions around the town centre aligns with the wider objective of supporting a thriving high street.

Richard Shepherd, president of Wantage Chamber of Commerce, said: “Wantage has a successful and vibrant town centre because it remains accessible and serves not only the town itself but many surrounding communities.

Wantage Market Place (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

“We welcome investment and improvements, but there is understandable concern when businesses see multiple proposals emerging which appear to restrict access and reduce parking provision.”

This comes after the town council also cited “reservations” with the plans, while asking to meet the county council following the end of the current consultation on July 8, something the local authority has agreed to do.

Mayor of Wantage Iain Cameron (Image: Facebook)

A spokesperson said: “We remain committed to promoting enhancements which will make this vital commercial area even more attractive and accessible for residents and visitors, and where businesses can thrive.

“The final consultation version of Oxfordshire County Council‘s plans are a radical approach to delivering this, but we have reservations relating to a number of significant issues.

“In particular the impact of the proposed bus gate, the effect on bus routes, the loss of disabled and very short-term parking and the impact on businesses for delivery and collection of goods.”

Councillor Gareth Epps (Image: Councillor Gareth Epps)

The cabinet member for transport said they want to hear views and concerns before designs are developed.

READ MORE: Urgent business meeting on Oxfordshire market place plan

Councillor Gareth Epps added: “We share an ambition which the proposals currently out for consultation are designed to deliver — more space for markets and events, new trees and planting, improved bus stops, improved loading facilities, and a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone who uses the town centre.”

The Liberal Democrat added: “We will take on board the feedback from this period of consultation, working together with the town council and other local groups to create a scheme that works for the whole community.

“The consultation runs until 8 July 2026, and I encourage residents and businesses to have their say.”

A county council spokesperson added: “A controlled parking zone was introduced in the central area of Wantage in 2023 following requests from the local member, the town council as well as residents. We are now moving on to the second stage, again requested by residents, and supported by the Town Council and local member.

“The scheme has a number of elements, including changing from single yellow lines to double yellow lines, mainly for safety concerns and to also avoid divers obstructing the very narrow carriageways of central Wantage.

“We are also introducing some new areas of residents’ permits bays to enable residents to park near their homes. It is more common that shoppers and commuters try to find places to park all day, quite often at the expense of the residents who live in properties without off-road parking.

“There are numerous options for parking in the Wantage area including Mill Street Undercroft and Portway car park which offer one hour’s free parking Monday-Saturday and free parking all day on Sunday.

“With regards to the Wantage Market Place project, following the consultation process, we will review the designs to ensure a holistic approach.”