Pictured: Michael Warren, a Courtlands resident of 30 years
Residents are ‘up in arms’ about parking issues in a cul-de-sac behind Maidenhead Railway Station.
Courtlands, off Shoppenhangers Road, has had issues with station users using it as a ‘turning circle’ – with residents reporting as many as 50 cars accessing the small estate during peak hours.
Resident parking permits have been introduced to try and solve some parking problems but restrictions on a piece of Courtlands land owned by a private company have created more conflict.
Michael Warren, a Courtlands resident of 30 years, recently noticed a penalty notice sign beside a layby leased out by Sorbon Estates, which owns land in the cul-de-sac.
He said the sign was ignored by neighbours who continued to park there, assuming it was the council clamping down on station users, rather than residents.
“We all thought roadside parking was covered by the residents’ parking permit from the council,” he told the Advertiser.
“Before residents’ parking, all the spaces would be filled with people using the station so it’s much better now than it was.
“But the fact someone can buy the land opposite your house and prevent you from parking on it is objectionable.”
His side of the road comprises six council-owned parking spaces requiring proof of residence for a £50 annual permit.
Meanwhile, the opposite side of the road requires an annual parking permit of £950 plus VAT from Sorbon Estates.
“I think it’s a bit much – Courtlands is not a rich area,” said Michael.
“Some people live in flats, in temporary accommodation and housing associations.
“Turning around and saying to a single mum – park there if you want to, you just have to give us £1,200…”
Michael said there is no allocated parking for residents and on evenings and weekends, parking spaces are available on a first come, first served basis.
“Now I’m not permitted to park on the opposite of the road either, and if we do it’s a £100 fine,” he added.
“It’s left a bad taste in everyone’s mouths here. The fact a property development company has come along and said no, you can’t park outside your house, makes everyone angry.
“It’s fairly crowded in Courtlands so parking is a bit of a premium. But everybody in the neighbourhood understands and will try and accommodate each other.”
Michael described the ‘nightmare’ experienced by Courtlands residents from Maidenhead Railway Station users who would ‘scream abuse’ if challenged about parking outside their homes.
“It was horrible and went on for years,” said Michael. Getting resident permits from the council for roadside parking had ‘made all the difference’, he added.
He said there is room for compromise where ‘residents don’t feel hard done by’, adding: “There is a real burden on the residents. I think it’s probably a bit of a last draw.”
A spokesperson from Sorbon Estates said: “Sorbon Estates has owned land in Courtlands, which equates to nine parking spaces and two garages, since October 2017.
“The private parking spaces have recently been let out, some to residents of Courtlands and only one space is let to DragonCrest Limited, all of which pay a licence to use these private parking areas.
“Signs were installed to notify of the parking conditions in these private spaces in April 2024 and enforcement began shortly afterwards.”
A council spokesperson said: “Parking on the road at Courtlands is managed by the council and there have been no changes to the parking restrictions in place.
“A limited area of private parking off-road is not managed by the council.
“Enforcement will occur for anyone parking without a permit on the road and you can report parking issues on our website.”
