Shock threat to 'saved' car park (From Gazette Series)

Shock threat to 'saved' car park

8:48pm Friday 28th April 2006 in Gloucestershire news By Jamie Dunkley

A SHOCK announcement by Gloucestershire County Council could see one of Dursley's busiest car parks sold.

The Gazette has learned that Castle Street car park - a lifeline for traders, the disabled and elderly users - will be turned into ten flats if a planning application submitted by the council is approved.

It has infuriated local shoppers, traders and councillors who campaigned with us to keep it open last summer.

Hundreds of Gazette Keep Our Car Park coupons were handed to county councillors, along with a petition of 2,000 signatures, after plans to sell the 30 space site were announced last year. The campaign led to councillors backtracking and the plans were put on hold.

This week, the council performed a dramatic U-turn describing the area as "surplus to requirements" since the town's temporary library, which was on the site, moved to a permanent base on May Lane. It has submitted a detailed planning application to Stroud District Council.

A spokesman said: "The application has been made with a view to disposing of the site on the open market at some point in the future."

Although the council has promised to include a provision for disabled parking, traders on Parsonage Street would lose a vital loading area and the loss could cause huge congestion in the town.

They have hit out at the application, particularly as the details of the new Sainsbury's store, opposite the car park, are yet to be finalised.

Peter Jones, chairman of Dursley and District Chamber of Trade, said: "Any development should be in line with other developments being planned in the town.

"We're working with Vale Vision to bring together on overall plan for Dursley and want the developers to wait."

Dursley town councillor Geoff Wheeler claimed the county council had betrayed local people.

He added: "In its response to our petition last November the council assured us that any proposals would be 'subject to wide consultation and scrutiny in Dursley'.

"From previous petitions, representations and letters from residents and traders the county council is well aware of the value of this car park to local people and businesses."

Cllr Veronica Collins said: "I'm disappointed to see that housing could be built in the area.

"I'd prefer to see a municipal area - perhaps a park - which would improve the site. The issue of disabled parking is very important too and we need more than the three spaces being offered by the council."

However, Stroud District Cllr Timothy Frankau has assured people that planning officers have recommended the application for refusal.

He said: "They agree that the plan would deprive the town of a vital facility and be premature in light of the changes happening in Dursley, particularly Sainsbury's. This is something I fully support."

The proposals will go before Dursley Town Council's Planning and Town Improvements Committee on Tuesday night - and then to Stroud District Council for final approval.

The Gazette wants local people to tell us what they think.