Deal done: Council set to agree new long-stay car park for Yarm

The site, off West Street, is occupied by the Arncliffe Buildings, a section of which would make way for a 60-space long-stay pay and display car park.

Members of the Council's Cabinet will be asked to approve arrangements for the site when they meet next Thursday (February 27).

Meanwhile, the Council continues to hold positive talks with Network Rail in relation to a second long-stay parking site under Yarm Viaduct.

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "This site is ideally placed to relieve the pressure on parking in Yarm and I'm pleased that we are now in a position to make a breakthrough and get this deal done.

"I'd also like to thank people for their patience - the deal has been a long time in the making and it's taken a great deal of hard work and negotiations to get here. As we've said before, we will do anything we can to support our town centres and high streets to be successful and we'll work positively with anyone who can help us achieve that.

"Subject to Cabinet's approval, we will finalise the arrangements of the deal and then seek planning permission to get it ready for use as soon as possible. We know there's more to be done to solve the issue of parking in the town but we're very hopeful that this new site will have a hugely positive impact.

"It will open-up much-needed parking options - both to visitors and people who work in Yarm - and I'm sure it will be welcomed with open arms."

The breakthrough comes just weeks after Yarm Business Forum's successful bid for a Great British High Street of the Year Award.

Parking on Yarm High Street itself is only £1 for three hours, or motorists can park for free for one hour then pay £1 to extend their stay for the following two hours.

This is subject to a three hour maximum stay, with no return within three hours, and was welcomed by businesses last year.

Long stay parking options in the town at The Old Market, Castle Dyke Wynd and Yarm Wharf are priced at £1.50 for the day.

The Council has implemented controls on West Street to limit parking to one hour for non-residents.

Other options previously considered have included on-street pay and display to allow for additional long-stay parking.

A further consultation on West Street restrictions is due to take place, taking into account residents' previous concerns, this proposal reduces the number of spaces previously proposed to be made available for on-street pay and display parking and to make the changes active Monday to Friday only.

A proposal will be brought forward in the near future in consultation with residents, businesses and visitors.