1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 To receive any petitions submitted directly to Democratic Services or any e-Petition submitted via the council’s website.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That Council notes the petition(s).

3. Context and background information

3.1 To receive the following petition:

Complimentary Visitor Parking Permits for Residents in Controlled Parking Zones

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to call on Brighton & Hove City Council to introduce a small allocation of complimentary visitor parking permits for households living within Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs).

Brighton & Hove is a vibrant and densely populated city, but it is also a place where many people experience isolation and loneliness. A growing body of research shows that social connection plays a vital role in maintaining good mental health. For many residents—particularly those living alone, older residents, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing mental health challenges—visits from friends and family provide essential emotional support and help prevent isolation.

Over the years, the expansion of Controlled Parking Zones across the city has made it increasingly difficult for visitors to park near the homes of residents. While the intention behind CPZs is understandable, the practical impact is that friends, carers, and family members often face limited parking availability and high parking charges simply to spend time with loved ones. This can unintentionally discourage visits, particularly for those on low incomes or travelling longer distances.

For residents who are already feeling isolated, this creates an additional barrier to maintaining meaningful social connections. The cost and difficulty of parking should not stand in the way of people receiving support, companionship, or care from those closest to them.

We therefore respectfully ask Brighton & Hove City Council to consider the following:

Provide each household within Controlled Parking Zones with a small annual allocation of complimentary visitor parking permits or digital guest passes.

Ensure these permits can be used for short visits by friends, family members, carers, or support networks.

Introduce the scheme in a way that is simple, fair, and limited in quantity so that it does not negatively impact parking availability.

Even a modest number of complimentary guest permits per year would make a meaningful difference. It would help residents maintain social connections, support mental wellbeing, and ensure that people living in Brighton & Hove are not unintentionally isolated by parking policy.

Our city should be one that supports community, connection, and wellbeing. Allowing residents a small number of free visitor permits is a practical and compassionate step toward achieving this.

We ask Brighton & Hove City Council to review this issue and work with residents to implement a fair solution.

3.2 To receive the following petition:

North Hollingdean Residents’ Parking Scheme – urgent consultation required

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to reopen consultation on parking arrangements in North Hollingdean, to allow residents the option of introducing a residents' parking permit scheme in line with that in South Hollingdean.

Residents in North Hollingdean are facing extreme difficulty in parking near homes due to commuter and non-resident parking. This has been exacerbated by the introduction of the parking scheme in South Hollingdean. This is problematic during the day and late at night, forcing families to park far away from their properties. This situation is creating safety concerns with inconsiderate parking and increased traffic from drivers searching for spaces, making streets less safe, particularly for children. We would like the opportunity to have a consultation on this new situation.

3.3 To receive the following petition:

Madeira Drive Parking Charges

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to review and mitigate the 2026 seafront parking charge increases on Madeira drive and around Sealanes to protect local workers, sea swimming programmes, and community access to healthy activities.

Sealanes and Pool to Pier staff, customers, coaches and community members including members of Brighton Swimming Club are concerned about the impact of the hike in parking charges in the area. Specific concerns include:

Low paid workers such as lifeguards and bar staff being priced out of work;
Hourly paid swim teachers and sports coaches delivering short sessions facing parking costs that make their shift unviable;

Impact on recruitment and retention;

Negative impact on access to healthy activities and 'blue nature' particularly for individuals using swimming for rehabilitation and recovery who are not eligible for blue badges and may not be able to walk or cycle;

Impact on the Pool to Pier programme which teaches safe sea swimming and promotes beach safety;

Parking prices doubling the cost of a single swim for Sealanes swimmers;

Contravening the recommendation in the 'Coast for All' report from the University of Brighton to 'strengthen transport connections, accessible parking provision and the affordability of travel';

No joined up policy for sustainable travel which includes addressing the endemic cycle theft problem on the seafront;

Undermining accessibility campaigns to improve access for all, including those with disabilities, caring responsibilities and other barriers to the seafront.

3.4 Keep East Brighton Seafront Accessible for All

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to reinstate the lower parking tariff at the east end of Madeira Drive - 30 spaces from the east of the Concorde to the base of Dukes Mound and 20 spaces immediately west of Concorde.

Parking charges on the section of Madeira Drive serving Yellowave, Sea Lanes and other east seafront community leisure and wellbeing facilities have increased from £1.70 to £5.80 per hour – a rise of over 240%.

This area is not in the city centre and has limited accessibility. There is no public transport directly serving the site, no lift access from Marine Parade, and access is only via a steep slope, a long walk from the Pier, or more than 100 steps.

This section of Madeira Drive has historically been treated as a lower-tariff zone due to its location and accessibility challenges. We understand previous assurances were given that affordable parking would be maintained for those accessing the area. There has been no consultation.

The increase is already affecting local residents, families, older people, people with mobility challenges, and those attending community activities. Several organisations report that participants are reducing or cancelling attendance because parking costs have become unaffordable.

These facilities provide year-round access to sports, swimming, wellbeing programmes, children's activities, cancer support groups, toddler classes and other community services. These facilities and organisations based on the east seafront are a vital part of the local community, generating substantial social value and helping to prevent health inequalities through accessible sport, exercise, wellbeing activities and social interaction.

We call on Brighton & Hove City Council to urgently review parking charges on this section of Madeira Drive and reinstate an affordable tariff that allows residents and visitors to continue accessing these important community, health and wellbeing facilities.

3.5 Green Area Adjacent to Woodingdean Lawn Memorial

In Woodingdean, Brighton, the green space adjacent to the lawn memorial is more than just a patch of grass. It's a treasured spot for relaxation, reflection, and recreation. For many, including myself, it is an essential outdoor area where I can read, enjoy the tranquillity, and spend time with my grandchildren; they believe their grandparents are watching over them as they play on this green. This green space isn’t merely a patch of natural beauty; it's part of our community fabric. Many locals cherish it as a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle, a place where we can enjoy life and watch the world pass by.

However, there is a proposal to transform this beloved green space into a wildflower meadow, a vision that has led to untamed mess in years past. This shift disregards the  area's natural beauty and the needs and  sentiments of local residents who have family ties to the lawn memorial. Initial attempts to convert similar areas led to significant upkeep challenges, undesirable aesthetics, and less accessible spaces for public enjoyment.

The transformation of well-maintained grassland into a wildflower meadow does not suit the heritage and aesthetic values of this sacred area. Woodingdean has numerous alternative locations that could successfully host a wildflower meadow, blending seamlessly with local scenery and receiving community support.

Action is required to maintain the charm and utility of our cherished well kept green space. We urge the local council to reconsider the current plans and preserve the green area at the Lawn Memorial. Making this space a place for ongoing serenity and community gathering is of utmost importance to those who visit and use it regularly.

Join us in preserving this valued space by signing this petition. Let's show that the interests and voices of Woodingdean's residents matter in maintaining our community's cherished green landscapes.