Wotton-under-Edge finds a solution to its parking problems

Wotton’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce helped facilitate the deal with Colburn Developments who are planning to build 10 homes behind the fire station in Symn Lane.

Chamber president and Wotton Town Councillor Alex Wilkinson helped secure the arrangement, agreed with by the land-owners and developers, which will see a part of the land used as a new long stay parking area for the town.

Cllr Wilkinson made the announcement at the Chamber’s annual general meeting last week.

He outlined the plans for the space, which will include the provision of a car park for which the freehold would be handed over to the town.

The car park would be big enough to provide 100 cars and two coaches with long stay parking and would enable the Chipping car park to become short stay.

“I am really excited at this development which is a fantastic opportunity for the town,” said Cllr Wilkinson.

“It is all just a proposal at the moment but one which is the best chance we have had for years and probably for years to come - and one which is sorely needed.

“This town and its business community has suffered for decades from a shortage of parking. This would be like a shot in the arm. As far as I can see everyone would be a winner.”

The proposal is still subject to full planning permission from Stroud District Council as well as agreement from Gloucestershire County Council who own a short strip of grassed verge outside the fire station.

This strip would need to be removed to enable a full width road to be built sufficient enough for the traffic using both the housing development and the car park.

Managing director of Colburn Developments Martin Evans is keen to have the full involvement of the local community.

He said: “I would like to have a public meeting where we can listen to and address the concerns of everyone in the town. There is a long way to go yet but I am convinced that we can do it.”

Cllr Wilkinson stressed the significant impact such a space would have on the town.

He added: “As a group the Chamber is campaigning for the health of our town’s business community and we are constantly looking at new ideas to bring more people into the town.

“This car park could solve so many issues for us and we would be getting it for free.

“What we need now is for the town and its community to back the proposals so we are looking at placing petitions around the town so that people can express their support.”