Proposals to introduce dedicated resident parking close to an East Lancashire beauty spot have been approved by the county council.

At last Thursday’s cabinet meeting (May 4), Lancashire County Council agreed to introduce resident parking in Barley Village, close to Pendle Hill, to address significant and obstructive parking issues which had been identified as impacting on those living in the area.

A Traffic Regulation Order setting out proposals for parking restrictions on the various lengths of road within Barley Village was approved after a public consultation garnered 25 letters of support.

The regulations will be introduced on Barley Lane, Beck Side, Pendle Row, and Pendle View.

A report to the cabinet stated: “Various external factors, including local businesses/commercial establishments/tourist parking, remove over half of the normally available parking space for a significant period of time when residents are wishing to park.”

The cost of implementing the regulations, along with new signs and lines, will be funded from the 2023/24 highways budget at an estimated cost of £15,000.

One objection was received on behalf of the Barley Mow pub stating that the pub is an integral part of the fabric of the village and provides a focal point for both locals and visitors with six overnight bed and breakfast rooms, which are busy all year round and it employs approximately twenty-six staff, making it the biggest employer in the village.

The objector requested that consideration was given to offering the Barley Mow at least one dedicated parking space for drop off and pick up at the public house and more importantly the ability for those people with mobility issues the ability to park outside the door.

County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We've agreed to introduce some dedicated resident parking in the centre of Barley Village to ensure a better balance between the needs of residents and visitors by restricting prolonged visitor parking in some areas.

"The village can get very busy, particularly with people parking to access Pendle Hill, and visitors typically take up over half of the available parking space for a significant period of time, resulting in a negative impact on resident parking availability.

"To accommodate the local businesses and amenities, the scheme includes some limited waiting bays and during the consultation held earlier this year, we received overwhelming support of the proposals."