Decision Details

Implemented

Request for variation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) – Felixstowe carparks leading from Viewpoint to Cliff Road, and surrounding area

No

Report of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety

Tue 3 Mar 2026

To consider a slight variation to the previously approved PSPO for Felixstowe carparks leading from Viewpoint to Cliff Road, and surrounding area

Communities

Not applicable

No

Not Applicable

None

None

Committee

Cabinet

Yes

Yes

No

No

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are a key tool available to local authorities under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They enable councils to place restrictions or requirements on activities in public spaces where those activities are having a detrimental impact on the local community’s quality of life.

 

At its meeting on 2 December 2025, Cabinet approved a PSPO for part of Felixstowe. A slight variation to the previously approved PSPO is required to remove the prohibited behaviour ‘Consumption of drugs and alcohol’ as there is no evidence base to support the contention that these activities are carried on in the restricted area to the degree that they have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality. There was also
a technical legal error in the drafting that rendered that prohibition unenforceable and advice from the legal team was that challenges to questionable provisions of the PSPO could have the effect of undermining the key behaviour that requires addressing; namely anti-social use of vehicles. Further clarity on the “restricted area” was also required. The varied document is drafted to better address the key behaviours causing problems within the community.

 

No further changes to the original PSPO application are required.

 

 This report seeks Cabinet approval to vary the targeted PSPO for the area shown in the map below under ‘Restriction’s, which can be used to prohibit or restrict behaviours of concern in the designated area, thereby providing a framework for enforcement by police. Breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence and may result in a fixed penalty notice or prosecution. 

N/A

There were none.

That Cabinet:

 

1. Approved the variation of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for ‘Felixstowe carparks leading from Viewpoint to Cliff Road, and surrounding area’, at Appendix B, to commence from 1 April 2026 until 12 December 2028 being the original date of expiry.

None

None