PARKING restrictions are to come into force in the spring in a lane dubbed 'millionaires' row' after complaints about hikers and dog walkers leaving their cars on the road outside Stourbridge's most expensive homes.

Dudley Council has approved a plan to introduce a waiting restriction at the top of Ounty John Lane which became a popular spot for people to park up to take their daily exercise on a nearby public bridleway leading to open countryside during the Covid lockdowns.

The restriction was proposed after requests from councillors and residents in the expensive street in Norton, council chiefs said, and it was given the go ahead on December 23 according to a decision sheet published by the local authority.

A council spokesman said a public consultation was held, with advertisements placed online in a regional newspaper and on street in September, and the plan was modified slightly before approval to reduce the length of the restriction.

Stourbridge News: The amended plan that was approved. Image - Dudley CouncilThe amended plan that was approved. Image - Dudley Council

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley's cabinet member for public realm, said: “Dudley Council was contacted by a number of people who live near Ounty John Lane with concerns regarding access and double parking in the area.

“We noted parking in the area and consulted with residents and visitors. We have modified the original proposals to reduce the length of the restrictions.

“This agreed plan will provide some visitor parking provision while keeping the very end of the lane clear of parked cars and reducing issues associated with double parking.”

A council decision sheet shows 46 people objected to the proposal, 11 were in support (24 per cent) - suggesting the congestion, inconsiderate parking and litter had been causing distress to residents in the street where homes have an average price tag of £900,000.

The Feoffees of Old Swinford Hospital school also supported the scheme but "gave no reason why" - according to the decision sheet which added: "There were 35 objectors stating that this is taking away people's freedom to walk and enjoy the countryside, that parking is considerate and should not be stopped because of a few wealthy residents.

"It would not stop people parking further down the road and on the bend and may also force them into Quarry Park Road or even Racecourse Lane. Some stated that parking had increased during the pandemic but had now subsided."

The decision document noted councillors did not object to the proposal and it said restrictions were to be implemented as per the revised plan "having considered all comments to public consultation".

The restriction is due to come into force on or before April 1 and signs will be put up to inform people when it is in place.