East Devon District Council is proposing to turn Sidmouth’s Manor Pavilion car park into a pay and display.

Residents are being invited to have their say on proposals to turn Manor Pavilion car park into a pay and display site.

East Devon District Council [EDDC] was approached by the theatre’s management about finding a solution to improving parking for visitors.

The car park is currently designated as a private site for theatre and arts centre visitors, but the council says residents and shoppers have used it as a free car park with no restrictions or enforcements.

The council says introducing a charge at the 21 space site will help to pay for improvements in the theatre such as new seating and lighting.

If adopted, motorists would pay £1 per hour between 8am and 8pm with a maximum stay of four hours.

Councillor Tom Wright, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “We need to do everything we can to ensure that this important and immensely popular community facility is kept running and that it does not become a burden on local council tax payers. It is normal to pay to park in theatre car parks across the country – these fees contribute vital funds towards the running costs of the theatres and help ensure their continued existence.”

To ease the impact of the proposals, motorists would be allowed to park for free for 10 minutes to allow for dropping off and visiting the box office.

A council spokeswoman said it would offer a special deal on parking costs in the larger Manor Road car park to local groups using the theatre or arts centre.

She added there would be a separate entrance and exit to a different area of the car park for users hiring or putting on shows to unload their sets and equipment.

Residents wishing to have their say on these proposals are asked to contact the council before 5pm on Friday, July 28, by visiting: www.eastdevon.gov.uk/consultation-and-surveys/manor-pavilion-car-park-consultation