Dear Editor,
In August 2024, all residents received letters regarding a consultation document for proposed EV charging points in our now heavily congested residential estate in Home Orchard, Ebley.
The community unanimously opposed the installation, simply because our street is so heavily congested now with a terrible parking situation. This now makes daily life inconvenient for many of us.
We are all for the green agenda – indeed some residents (including one of us) owns an EV.
The proposal is for passers-by to use their App to charge up – thus worsening our parking issues.
Residents made it very clear via councillors and the ULEV team’s formal processes that a much better place for installation is the Pay & Display carpark which is literally 50 metres away. This could easily accommodate 20 or more charging points – generating more income for the council and keeping local residents happy.
We maintain that the 99 % vacant car park at Ebley Mill is a far more intelligent and considerate location.
Yours sincerely,
N Fletcher and M Sharrock, on behalf of Home Orchard residents.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said: “The rollout of public Electric Vehicles (EV) chargepoints aims to support residents who do not have access to off street parking, making it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles. The lack of access to chargepoints is regularly cited as a major concern by motorists considering switching to EVs. Following detailed planning and extensive engagement, we have already installed 234 EV chargepoints across the county.Â
“Near this particular location there are many properties with no ability to install home EV chargepoints. Without convenient access to chargepoints, many residents here would find it very difficult to change to an electric vehicle. Following engagement with local residents last year, we have decided to enforce only two of the three bays initially for EV drivers. We will monitor demand for EV charging and only enforce the extra bay when demand increases.”
