Objector voices parking worries over Telford plan for 'assisted living' flats

Planning permission has been granted retrospectively for a property in Telford to be used for assisted living flats despite a resident's objections over parking.

An objector to the plan for five apartments and a two storey rear extension at Church Parade, in Wombridge, sent planners at Telford & Wrekin Council a picture of a car parked with all four wheels up on the pavement at the site.

"There is a lack of parking and refuse facilities for this property," the local resident told the council.

"Cars belonging to staff and visitors park on the footpath blocking pedestrians from using the footpath forcing them to walk on the road."

They claimed that there have been incidents of pedestrians 'coming close to being struck by vehicles including a bus on one occasion.'

The council has told the company behind the plans, Priorslee-based Metro Homes Ltd that space for parking, loading, unloading and turning of vehicles must be properly laid out, hard surfaced and drained.

Responding to the objection council planners wrote: "The council’s highways officer has assessed the scheme and has confirmed that the parking proposed is sufficient for the number of apartments and staff members proposed."

Planners say that the building shares a parking area with the Guru Nanak Gurdwara which owns both.

"The loss of parking to the existing Guru Nanak Gurdwara is considered to be minor as parking spaces are already allocated to the property as part of the wider site," write planners.

"Also, as the Gurdwara only operates under limited hours, the parking area will largely be under capacity and could comfortably accommodate the parking associated with the proposal."

The applicant had told council planners that residents will live as tenants and receive agreed support hours to promote independent living.

"The existing parking provision is considered suitable for the low number of vehicle movements associated with the service," the applicants had told the council.

"There are no anticipated increases in traffic beyond typical residential use levels."

Planners concluded: "In summary, the scheme would provide accommodation which is sought after within the borough in a sustainable location."