A CONTROVERSIAL flats project will cause 'carmageddon' parking problems say critics after the scheme was given the green light despite concerns.
Planning permission was granted for the conversion and extension of guest houses to provide 12 apartments in Barbourne Road, Worcester at a planning meeting on Thursday.
The planning committee chairman, Cllr James Stanley, had the casting vote at the meeting at Worcester Guildhall, breaking the deadlock after a tied vote on the scheme, recommended for approval by city council officers.
A disabled magistrate - 66-year-old Ann Conry - who has severe mobility problems and lives close in St George's Square has already spoken about the issues she has finding a parking space and how she has received parking tickets.
READ MORE: Parking chaos warning over new development and permit scheme
READ MORE: Disabled magistrate's parking tickets in Barbourne
The scheme will include 10 one-bedroom flats and two three-bedroom flats at the former guest houses with a shared rear courtyard and grassed area. Bin storage will be provided in a former garage and there will be storage for bikes.
However, no parking will be provided on-site which proved controversial among critics. A spokesperson for the St George's Square Residents' Association called the scheme 'clear overdevelopment of two important gateway buildings' and an 'HMO by stealth', branding some of the flats 'tiny' with some in a cellar with 'no natural light'.
Paul Round, service manager and development manager, said the residents would only be eligible for six parking permits 'which is exactly the same as the current situation'.
Cllr Jenny Barnes spoke at the meeting. "We have got another car-free scheme haven't we? They do seem to be a bit of a problem because we don't have control over them. We are then reliant on the county council doing their thing and they don't seem to be joined up with us at all."
After the meeting, she warned of further choking of 'an already stressed parking situation in Arboretum ward', as a result.
Talking after the vote at the Guildhall, Cllr Barnes, who described the result as 'carmaggedon', said: "I have spent weeks talking to residents and listening to their concerns on this issue, and this development is simply not right for Barbourne or its residents.
"There is real anger about this, and it is bitterly disappointing to find the other parties are deaf to resident concerns.
"From parking tensions to air quality to road safety, this scheme will make already problematic situations worse for the area. Things do not have to be this way for Arboretum.
"We need better bus provision into the city, particularly in the evening, to allow residents the choice of whether or not to use a car. Cycling is part of the solution, and so are car club spaces allowing multiple residents to make use of a single space.
"We also need to ensure dedicated disabled spaces are available for residents who often have no choice but the car. There are many routes to a fairer, greener future for the area, so I would invite my colleagues to be far bolder in their vision for the area, and be far more attentive to resident concerns."
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