Temporary parking on Summerland site refused

Planning committee chair says plans breached roughly five departmental policies

An application for temporary parking on the former Summerland site has been rejected.

The Department of Infrastructure believed, if approved, it would benefit commuters who could walk or cycle into work, visitors using the horse trams and people using the local businesses.

Chair of the Planning Committee Rob Callister told the hearing that he was ‘surprised’ the application had been brought forward as it ‘breaches’ roughly five departmental policies.

He added that if an organisation wants to develop the site then proposals need to be ‘permanent’ and in line with the recommendations in the Area Plan for the East.

The application was for 32 spaces, a decrease from the previously approved scheme in 2019 which was for 58.

This application also had a provision for two disabled parking spaces and would only last for 18 months.

There was also a provision for a daily inspection to ensure vehicles had not been abandoned.

However, committee member Matthew Warren said he felt it was ‘quite insensitive’ and he would only support development if a ‘proper plan’ was put forward.

A number of reasons for refusal were listed by the planning department including its potential to reduce the overall development size of the Summerland site and use as a temporary car park could have a detrimental impact upon any future development on the Summerland Site.

It was also agreed the application was against a Council of Ministers policy and failed to meet the land use and designation under the Area Plan for the East.