The busy car park in Rock, Cornwall is being extended to add more parking spaces. Initially the intention was to add between 60 and 70 spaces but on the actual plan it looks to be a few over 50. The original plan for the Rock car park extension was submitted in May 2015.
Workmen are now on the dunes between the car park and Rock beach beginning to clear the vegetation before it is dug out. This means that the footpaths that cut through from the car park in Rock to the beach are currently closed and alternative paths in place as can be seen here. It looks like there may be a permanent diversion of the South West Coast Path along the top of the beach where the sailing dinghies are stored, rather than across the car park, but I can’t be absolutely sure.
There was some talk about the sand from the excavation being deposited on Rock beach but again, I am not sure about the final plan.
More space at the car park in Rock has been needed for many years. In summer there is usually a queue of cars waiting at the entrance to get a space. This has worked well on a one in one out basis and it is generally only a few minutes wait until the ferry from Padstow arrives at Rock and people leave the car park. Occasionally, when people are unfamiliar with the routine or frustrated they ignore the signs and drive around the car park, causing confusion in the process. Next summer that could be a thing of the past.
What would also be ideal would be some new public toilets in Rock. The ones in the car park have been awful for years. Fingers crossed that at least a significant refurbishment is part of the plan.
If you want to see the plans for yourself you’ll need to register on the Cornwall Council website and search the online planning register for PA15/04952 and/or extension of existing car park at Rock Quarry Car Park.
Rock car park prices at the time of writing can be found here. The postcode for Rock car park is PL27 6FD. You can find out more about Rock car park here.
Happy parking, I hope.
