Oxford City Council has given the green light to implement parking fees at a site in Cowley that was previously under the management of a rowing organisation.

The Meadow Lane facility, situated off the main road, has been formally reclassified as a public pay-and-display operation by the local authority.

Prior to this change, the Falcon Boat Club had sole use of the car park following council-approved planning consent in 2019 for their new boathouse, which contained a stipulation that the parking area would be reserved exclusively for club members.

The council subsequently put forward a proposal to transform the private parking facility into a public suburban car park, with approval granted in October.

During the cabinet session held on March 18, elected members agreed to establish a fresh off-street parking regulation and apply charges at the location.

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, who holds the planning and culture brief, explained that the intention behind the planned fees is not to extract money from those visiting for rowing activities. He noted that the goal is to prevent the car park from functioning as a permanent commuter lot around the clock, something he believes would have widespread support.

The proposed pricing structure, which will go out for public consultation before taking effect, includes complimentary parking for visits up to one hour, followed by a charge of £2 for stays between one and three hours, £4 for three to five hours, and £15 for vehicles remaining between five and 25 hours.