CONTROVERSIAL new parking permit fees could spark friction between neighbours in a Hampshire town, it has been claimed.

Residents who apply for the right to leave a car in Eastleigh’s on-street parking zones for the first time are to be charged.

The £30 levy will only apply to people who move to Eastleigh or move house within the town – but residents renewing their existing permits will not have to part with a penny.

Now there are claims the scheme will generate tensions between paying and non-paying neighbours.

Bosses at Eastleigh Borough Council hope the charge will help tackle a £305,000 black hole in its on-street parking account while freeing up parking spaces for existing residents.

In its first year, the scheme is expected to net around £4,500 – but there are no income estimates for following years.

But Glynn Davies-Dear, councillor for the town’s Central ward, warned the idea could be likened to a carriage full of train passengers, some of whom are paying while others travel for free.

“I believe this is going to cause discord between neighbours,” he added.

“There is nothing fair about this proposal – nothing fair and nothing harmonious and it should not happen.”

The fee – due to be rolled out in October – applies to the first parking permit of any new applicant within the town’s street parking zones.

But Patricia Hassell, of the Cranbury and Desborough Residents’ Association said it may end up becoming a factor in people deciding whether to buy or sell homes in the town. She added: “I don’t think it is fair on people who move to the road and it is going to be more of a job to sell a house. The charge is just an extra burden for people.

“I would advise the council to go back and rethink.”

There is already a charge for residents claiming permits for a second or third vehicle. Fees are also required for business, temporary visitor and professional carer permits.

A council spokesman said: “We are still committed to existing residents having a free first parking permit and the charge for new residents will also help protect more parking spaces for existing residents.

“The council still subsidises residents parking but we do want to keep the subsidy low because otherwise non car owners are paying for car owners to park.”