Free parking at Rivington could end as United Utilities under plans

The water company has submitted an application to install paid car parks at Rivington Reservoir.

The plans put in at the end of the last month call for eight number plate recognition cameras and four payment machines at car parks around Rivington Reservoir.

Parking charges on the site have loomed since 2022, though until now, no firm plans had been submitted.

Knowle House Car Park (Image: Chorley Council)

Knowle House, Great House Barn, Rivington Primary School, Lower House, Main Drive, and Rear Drive will be affected if the plans are given the green light.

Planning documents state: “The Rivington Estate is owned by United Utilities Water Plc.

“The increase in visitor numbers in recent years has put a strain on the area, particularly regarding pressures on the estate parking facilities and the subsequent impact on local highways.

Rivington School Car Park (Image: Chorley Council)

“There are few Traffic Regulation Orders in place around the Rivington Estate, restricting parking on the main roads around the Rivington Estate.

“These has been known to lead to inconsiderate parking that has affected accessibility of other road users or has impacted the natural environment (i.e. causing compaction and exposure of mature tree roots).

“United Utilities access and recreation strategy looks to improve parking management and associated visitor experience across the Rivington Estate, creating clear and safe parking for visitors, reducing habitat damage, and contributing where possible to actions in response to visitor and community feedback.

Lower House Car Park (Image: Chorley Council)

“To properly manage Rivington and fund long-term improvements and benefits for the Rivington area, we propose a locally reinvested funding model

“Under this approach Rivington Heritage Trust would operate the car parks and 100% of parking income would be reinvested into Rivington. The approach focuses on creating a fair and sustainable way for the growing number of visitors, many travelling from outside the local area, to support the upkeep of the landscape they enjoy.”

Under the plans, two number plate recognition cameras (ANPR cameras) and two payment machines will be installed at Knowle House Car Park.

Main Drive (Image: Chorley Council)

One ANPR camera will be installed at Great House Barn, along with two payment machines.

Rivington Primary School will see the installation of one ANPR camera, as would Lower House and Rear Drive.

Main Drive would receive two ANPR cameras.

Rear Drive (Image: Chorley Council)

A separate application will later be submitted ‘for the proposed signage.’

The initial reaction to the scheme was heated, with arguments put forward on both sides of the aisle.

Some people argued that the plans would effectively ‘price out’ poorer visitors, making it more difficult for them to enjoy this area of natural beauty.

Great House Barn Car Park (Image: Chorley Council)

Others referenced the will of the late Lord Leverhulme, who, upon his death, bequeathed the land around his home to the people living in the area for them to enjoy, free of charge.

But United Utilities argue the plans are necessary for the upkeep of the area, necessitated by the tendency of improperly-managed car parking to erode the environment.

United Utilities have been contacted for comment.