Concerns raised over proposals for electric vehicle charging points in historic Warwick streets

Concerns have been raised over proposals to install electric vehicle charging points in some of Warwick's historic streets.

Warwickshire County Council (WCC) have submitted proposals to install electric vehicle charging points in Northgate Street and Market Square in the town.

The plans are currently open to public consultation but this will end on Friday (February 5).

Concerns have been raised about these proposals - with some saying these are the wrong places to install the charging points.

Warwick resident Jerry Birkbeck said: "These areas are within Warwick Conservation Area.

"Northgate Street has been described by Alec Clifton Taylor as 'the finest Georgian Street' in the Midlands and he is right.

"Northgate Street has been a beneficiary of major expense with a resurfaced footway on either side of the road and the houses have been significantly renovated at major expense.

"The amount of street furniture is minimal and creates a visually ordered and thoughtful attention to detail.

"However, WCC have decided to install eight charging points along the eastern side of Northgate Street and 11 in Market Place.

"The location of both in a Conservation Area and especially in the high quality environment that has been created in Northgate Street is frankly scandalous and shows an utter disregard for enhancing visitor enjoyment to the town.

"Discussing this matter with a couple of folk I know the answer has to be to have all the points located in one place - at West Rock Car Park - rather than dispersed around the town.

"Also the Warwick District Council off-street parking areas are to have charging points. WCC should be talking to the district council. There is absolutely no reason to erect more charging points in Northgate Street and Market Place.

"Why ruin the character and quality of Northgate Street and Market Place?"

John Holland, a Warwickshire County Councillor for Warwick, has also spoken out about the location of the charging points.

He said: "I have expressed strong concerns because of the these are in a conservation area.

"Northgate Street is a world class heritage site and it would be out of character.

"The electric vehicle parking points should be put in more appropriate locations like car parks such as West Rock where it can go along with the Warwick District Council scheme and we could have the two councils working together.

"It would also be easier for drivers in that they would know of one place where they know there is a charging point instead of driving around the town looking for a vacant place.

"I don't object to the charging points as they are part of a national scheme. It is just finding a location that suits drivers better and supports the prosperity of the town centre - which has taken a massive knock given the present restrictions and needs recovering.

"If people have concerns then I would suggest they make their comments known - even after the cut off date."

Warwickshire County Council have been contacted for a comment.

To make a comment about the proposals email: [email protected]

For more information go to: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/1653/warwick-district-civil-parking-enforcement-area-variation-no-7-electric-vehicles