Double yellow lines on Ely street could enable new J D Wetherspoon pub to open

Neighbours are opposing double yellow lines being painted along their street that could help a new J D Wetherspoon pub to open.

Cambridgeshire County Council is considering introducing a no waiting at any time restriction along St Mary’s Street in Ely.

Currently there is a 30-minute waiting period allowed outside the building, Monday to Saturday, between 8am and 6pm.

A council report said the restriction is being considered to address one of the issues raised with converting 24 St Mary’s Street into a Wetherspoon pub.

A planning application from the pub chain was refused by East Cambridgeshire District Council in 2021 amid concern that the unloading and loading of vehicles would lead to on-street parking and obstruct the highway.

The council report said one option put forward would be to introduce a ‘no waiting at any time’ restriction, using double yellow lines, which would allow this stretch of road to be used “for picking-up/setting down passengers and for loading/unloading” but prevent short-term parking.

That move, requested by the developer, requires an amendment to the traffic regulation order.

No new planning application has yet been submitted to turn the building into a pub.

The City of Ely Council has objected, saying the change would “put an even greater strain” on the city’s ability to “provide sufficient spaces” for people.

The dental practice next door to 24 St Mary’s Street has also objected, noting some of its patients who are elderly, infirm, had children, or were wheelchair users, needed easy access and were dropped off by people who then wait outside. The practice said the existing parking is in “regular use on a daily basis”.

St Mary’s Street residents have also objected.

One said: “The parking bay outside No 24 is used for parking by people using the shops in St Mary’s Street. For the past 30 years this has been no problem.

“Please can you explain why the owners require double yellow lines on the highway outside their property as they already have a large amount of parking on tarmac within the boundary of No 24. Double yellow lines will also remove an amenity for local people and will just become a convenience for one property owner.”

The proposed restrictions are due to be considered by the county council today, with a decision expected to be published at a later date.