Oswestry School car park wins go-ahead despite protests

The school says the 46-bay car park will ease the problems of parking along Upper Brook Street and Broomhall Lane next to its buildings.

Opponents said that the location of the car park - a former battle site - was of significant historical interest.

Oswestry Town Council objected to the scheme, saying it impacted on nearby residents’ privacy and could lead to noise nuisance.

Resident, Andrew Field, from Lutton Close, spoke to yesterday's North Planning Committee of Shropshire Council.

He said the proposals for screening would not limit the general disturbance and said a proposed pedestrian pathway between the car park and the gardens was of concern.

"It may only affect seven homes but that means seven families whose quality of life with be be changed," he said.

School bursar Phil Bowd said the school was proposing the car park to appease its neighbours on Upper Brook Street and Broomhall Lane. He said the school would be happy to build a sound barrier between the Lutton Close gardens and the site.

"The parking on the road does lead to single-file traffic particularly on Wednesdays when it becomes a pinch point," he said.

A report to the committee by case officer Mark Perry said the additional car parking would be for staff and visitors.

“The car park would provide space for 46 cars which is in addition to the 36 spaces that were created by the adjacent car park which received planning permission in 2012," he said.

Separate

“At present the existing car park has a single access which is adjacent to the bursar's house.

“The addition of the extra car parking also involves the creation of a second access thereby allowing separate ‘in’ and ‘out’ points for vehicles.

“As part of the proposal the applicant is also suggesting revisions to the existing on-street parking arrangements and the creation of a new Traffic Regulation Order to introduce new on street parking restrictions.

“By providing extra off-street parking provision it will allow the school to reconfigure how they use the existing access and vehicle circulation space within the school complex which the school states would make it safer for pedestrians as currently there is significant risk because of one of the blind bends within the school site."

In conclusion Mr Perry said: “It is considered by officers that the proposed car park extension is needed to meeting the continuing growth of education and sports facilities that the school has to offer, not just for pupils but also for the wider community.”