The Policy and Project Advisory Board of Rushmoor Council met on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, to discuss free parking for shoppers and the maintenance of unattached land. The Board also reviewed its work plan.

Free Parking for Shoppers

The Board considered a motion to explore offering free or discounted car parking for shoppers in Aldershot and Farnborough town centres. This initiative stems from a Council meeting in October 2025, following an initial discussion in December 2025. Lee McQuade, Economy and Growth Service Manager, presented findings indicating that while parking costs can influence shopper behaviour, they are not the sole determining factor. Other crucial elements include the retail and leisure offer, ease of parking, proximity to shops, town centre attractiveness, and safety. Research suggests that parking costs are comparable to or lower than in neighbouring towns like Camberley, Basingstoke, and Guildford. A report from the Welsh Government highlighted that parking cost is one aspect of a complex interplay influencing visitor behaviour, with weak evidence linking changes in parking charges directly to footfall. Towns perform best when parking policy is integrated with a strong retail and leisure mix, events, attractive public spaces, and effective place branding.

During the discussion, members raised several points, including the importance of promoting any parking offers, ensuring town centre infrastructure is adequate, and considering targeted reductions in parking costs during specific times. The green agenda and the promotion of alternative transport were also highlighted. Some members suggested that other measures, such as reducing rent and rates, might have a greater impact on supporting local businesses than parking charge adjustments. The Board requested that Mr. McQuade share the data used in his presentation and reiterated that the focus should remain on changes to parking charges, as per the motion. The potential impact on the Council's revenue from reduced parking income was also noted as a key consideration. The Board agreed to revisit this item at a future meeting.

Maintenance of Unattached Land

The Board discussed a motion approved by the Council in December 2025 concerning the maintenance of unattached land. James Duggin, Executive Head of Operations, was in attendance to guide the discussion. The motion, proposed by Councillor Steve Harden, called for the Council to write to the local Member of Parliament and the Chancellor to raise concerns about the management and maintenance of unattached land and to request support. It also requested that the Policy and Project Advisory Board consider the feasibility and costs of reviewing unattached land to clarify ownership and maintenance responsibilities, assess emergency works needed for neglected areas, and explore the implications of the Council assuming permanent responsibility for maintenance. Furthermore, the motion proposed establishing a formal working partnership with Crown land authorities, Hampshire County Council, and other relevant bodies to coordinate land management.

Councillor Harden explained that the borough suffers from unattached land that is often unsightly and dangerous due to landowners' refusal to maintain it. He suggested that a working group could draw attention to these areas and liaise with landowners. Councillor Abe Allen seconded the motion, noting that the current inconsistent approach was ineffective. Members discussed complaints regarding damage from unmaintained trees and the eyesore of overgrown sites. Potential solutions discussed included creating biodiversity areas, developing community assets, and selling small parcels of land to adjacent residents for a nominal fee. However, it was acknowledged that the Council has limited financial capacity for ongoing maintenance, but could act as a facilitator. The motion was carried with 32 votes in favour, 0 against, and 2 abstentions.

Work Plan

The Board reviewed its current Work Plan. It was noted that the item concerning Free Parking for Shoppers would be added to the agenda for the meeting on 24 March 2026, as a follow-up to the previous discussion. The Work Plan was to be updated following the next meeting of the Programme Management Group. Members were invited to submit any further items for consideration via email.