Kiama Council has shut down the plan for Woolworths to bring in paid parking under a boomgate system at the Terralong Street shopping precinct.

Councillors voted 6-3 at Tuesday night’s meeting against a proposal to amend a development application to allow the installation of a boomgate.

Local residents had raised concerns over the impact on traffic in the area and off-street parking.

Councillor Matt Brown spoke in support of the motion before the vote.

“This is about Woolworths basically installing a boomgate,” he told Council.

“We've been told how that boomgate will operate and that's predominantly, the boomgate will remain open as traffic enters into the car parking facility - their number plate will be recognised digitally and if a car overstays their welcome, which is two hours for the vehicle to exit the place without the boomgate closing, a fee will need to be paid.

“I also understand that Council will be revenue sharing with Woolworths in that we own a number of the car spaces there but I also understand this is not really a revenue raising matter for Woolworths - this is simply a way of ensuring that there is enough car spaces for people to shop.

“I don't really have a major problem with this recommendation or this motion.

“I am concerned about workers who work there or close by as to where they will park and parking for staff in the street is a concern and something that we as a Council need to address and put our mind to.”

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and fellow Councillor Mike Cains supported Cr Brown on the boomgate motion but it received no other support.

Council CEO Jane Stroud said that the matter would need to be raised again at the July meeting because it’s a planning matter and reasons need to be stated as to why it was rejected.