HOUSEBOAT residents are up in arms over plans to introduce double yellow lines and permit only parking outside their homes.

The North Essex Parking partnership is set to introduce restrictions on the majority of King Edward Quay, Colchester, to combat inappropriate parking in the area.

Those who live in the handful of houseboats which moor on the quay are concerned as not only have to pay for permits, but they would only be allowed one per mooring.

Residents are also worried how the move will affect groups like Colchester Sea Cadets, which is based at the TS Colne Lightship in the dock.

Emily Turnbull is one of around 20 residents who lives in a boat at the quay and helps run the Hythe Boaters community group.

She said: “They want to put double yellow lines down most of the quay making it permit parking.

“We understand they also want to use pay and display machines. We’ve been told we would be able to get one permit but we are not allowed to apply for a second.

“If people want to visit us they well have to use the pay and display machine which could end up getting expensive.”

A year’s permit will cost £67 per boat and businesses will have to pay £450 per year to park vehicles on the quay.

Ms Turnbull is setting up a petition opposing the changes.

“We think this is a lot to do with money,” she said.

“I imagine the council wants to clear the area up as they’re trying to get developers in.”

A spokesperson for the North Essex Parking Partnership said the move was being made following “concerns being raised about vehicles being parked in an inappropriate way in the area”.

Objections should be emailed to parking@colchester.gov.uk or posted to TRO Comments, North Essex Parking Partnership, PO Box 5575, Colchester, CO1 9LT by April 19.

The spokesman said: “After this objections and other comments will be considered before a decision is made on whether or not to introduce the proposals.”