‘STRONG concerns’ have been raised over the proposed parking at a major housing development in Christchurch.

Christchurch Town Council has called for additional on-site parking to be added to the Bridge Street scheme to ‘prevent overflow onto surrounding streets’.

As reported, Churchill Retirement Living submitted a planning application to build 177 apartments, 237sqm of commercial space, communal facilities and car parking at the former gas works site.

The developer recently submitted an appeal against the non-determination of the scheme, after BCP Council failed to either grant or refuse it within the statutory period.

Christchurch Town Council’s planning and regulatory committee discussed the appeal at an October meeting and agreed on a formal response.

The minutes of the meeting read: “Discussion included the need for more affordable housing and housing for key workers, alongside the importance of retaining retail units to support town centre vitality.

"Members also emphasised the preservation of Bridge Street’s heritage recommending that heritage features be retained and enhanced wherever possible.

“The committee expressed strong concerns about the proposed parking provision, suggesting that additional parking be included to prevent street overspill.”

While the committee agreed to make no objection to the plans, it decided to formally suggest an “enhanced construction logistics and traffic management plan is implemented during the construction phase” of the development, and “additional on-site parking is provided to prevent overflow onto surrounding streets”.