Plans to introduce car parking fees at Danebury Hill Fort have been given the green light – despite thousands rejecting the plan.
Hampshire County Council has approved plans to introduce parking fees at the Iron Age hill fort, near Stockbridge.
It was heard that the money will help the authorities to manage the special site, including its unique historic and natural features.
But it comes despite nearly 2,500 people signing a petition from a local businesswoman against the proposal.
Amerley Saville, who runs a mobile coffee van, had said the charges could “deter visitors, curbing the footfall to my coffee shop and endangering the vibrancy of this community meeting point”.
Under a first round of public consultation, 118 objections were submitted.
Due to the significant number of respondents, a second consultation was held.
This consultation included amendments to the proposal, such as the introduction of an annual pass and an extension of charging hours from 8am to 8pm. Eleven responses were received, the majority of which were objections to the plans.
During the decision day on Monday, September 22, Cllr Kirsty North, executive lead member for universal services, said that she spoke with Ms Saville personally to “repair” the relationship and to “move forward to a different footing”.
Cllr North added: “I really hope this would be welcomed by local residents who are regular users, dog walkers, and that they have that annual pass option that we’ve been introducing at this point.”
Charges are expected to be implemented by Autumn 2025, when residents will start to pay specific parking fees based on the duration of their stay.
For a short visit of up to two hours, the charge is £1.20. If residents plan to stay for a longer period, such as up to four hours, the fee increases to £3.20.
An annual pass is also being proposed, which would be available for £40.20.
Volunteers for Hampshire County Council undertaking voluntary work at countryside sites will not be charged for parking, nor blue badge holders.
All charges would include a 20p administration fee for payments made via RingGo, which can be used through an app, website, or by phone.
The car park at Danebury Hill fort has access to the Iron Age hill fort built 3000 years ago.
It is a site of national importance for both archaeology and nature conservation. Danebury is one of the most studied Iron Age hill forts in Europe.
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