Seaford Town Council will introduce a one‑year trial of a paid parking system at the South Hill Barn Car Park, scheduled to begin in late April 2026. The initiative is designed to improve parking management ahead of the busy summer season, helping to ease congestion, protect the landscape, and support a better experience for both residents and visitors.
The Seaford Head Estate and South Hill Barn are owned and maintained by the Town Council. As Seaford residents already contribute to the upkeep of these areas through council tax, the trial is structured to ensure that Seaford households continue to enjoy free access to the site.
Free Parking Permits for BN25 Residents
All residents living within the BN25 postcode area are eligible for a free parking permit, allowing them to park at South Hill Barn at no charge throughout the trial.
Permits are available now and can be collected from Seaford Tourist Information Centre, 37 Church Street, Seaford. The Tourist Information Centre’s usual opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm, please note that it will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
What Residents Need to Bring
To collect a permit, residents must provide proof of address, using:
- A valid driving licence
OR
- A utility bill (e.g., electricity or council tax bill) plus a passport or bus pass
Each permit will be registered to a specific vehicle, so residents must bring their car registration number. Up to three permits per household may be issued. Permits are provided immediately and should be displayed in the windscreen when parking.
How the Trial Will Work
Installation and Start Date
Parking machines will be installed once planning approval has been granted. Following installation and testing, the charging system is expected to go live in late April. Car Park Attendants will also be appointed to support safe and effective parking management on site.
Cashless Payment System
The car park will operate a cashless system, with payments made by card. This aligns with other car parks across the district and helps reduce vandalism and theft.
Non‑Residents and Visitors
Visitors are warmly welcomed and will be able to use the standard pay‑for‑parking system.
Coaches
Coaches will continue to have access to South Hill Barn. A premium parking rate will apply, and Car Park Attendants will help ensure coaches park safely and appropriately.
Why the Trial Is Being Introduced
This trial is being introduced to help address increasing congestion and pressure on parking during peak visitor months. It is designed to improve:
- Parking turnover
- Site access
- Safety
- The overall visitor experience
The scheme is not designed to raise profit, nor is it linked to specific improvement projects for the area. Its primary purpose is to assess whether controlled parking can better manage high demand and protect this important natural site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a resident permit guarantee a space?
No. As with many permit schemes, a permit grants permission to park but does not guarantee space availability.
Can the permit be used elsewhere in Seaford?
No. It applies only to the South Hill Barn Car Park. Other local car parks are managed separately.
Why is the permit tied to a car registration number?
Linking permits to specific vehicles ensures fairness and prevents misuse. This also supports congestion reduction by limiting unnecessary duplication of permits.
What if I cannot collect my permit during opening hours?
Residents facing exceptional circumstances may email admin@seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk to arrange an out‑of‑hours collection.
Further responses to FAQs can be found here
Trial Period and Review
The trial will run for the full financial year, from late April 2026 to March 2027. Near the end of the period, the Town Council will undertake a full review. Findings will be reported to Full Council, who will decide whether the scheme should be amended, continued, or withdrawn. No decision will be made on this until the review takes place.
