New 70-space car park gets green light

2:17pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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ALRESFORD is set to have 70 more parking spaces to boost trade and tourism in the town.

Planners also approved a scheme to build a footpath through the Perins School playing fields to make it easier for residents to walk to the shops.

The plans were not without critics though, with one firm near the proposed car park objecting, as did several residents in Thornton Close.

Around 20 people living in the new cul-de-sac, which is not fully occupied yet, were concerned about the path.

They were worried about people cutting through the close to reach it, leading to possible antisocial behaviour and littering, they said.

Concerns were also raised about the new car park on the Perins site off Jacklyns Lane, which would be open to the public.

Tim Considine, managing director of First Option, an IT firm overlooking the proposed car park, said there was already antisocial behaviour on the site outside school hours. As a result, it was not suitable for more cars.

Roy Gentry, vice chairman of New Alresford Town Council, argued that more parking was needed, as commuters occupied many spaces near the shops.

He said: "This would give us 70 parking spaces that will enable us to relieve the pressure on the town centre and allow long-term parkers to move away from the streets in the centre, allowing visitors to come in."

The planning committee agreed that the scheme - put forward by Winchester City Council - would help the town.

Members voted unanimously to back the car park and footpath proposals.