Council stops operating Bridgnorth car park ahead of planned care home development
Shropshire Council has confirmed it has stopped operating one of Bridgnorth's main car parks, which is now being run by developers.
The majority of Smithfield Car Park has been closed following a sale of the land from Sainsbury's to Ziran Land and LNT Care Developments for £1.2 million in February.
The care home company, which has applied to build a three-storey facility at the site, has promised to keep 136 spaces for public use out of about 326 available for the next 25 years.
Confusion has surrounded the future of the site since the sale was made, and users were told it would no longer be available from Thursday.
Shropshire Council has finally confirmed it has ceased operation of the car park, but LNT Care Developments has promised to retain 136 spaces and construct a purpose-built parking facility off Old Smithfield in the future.
The authority also said funds will be "set aside to support parking elsewhere in the town".
Steve Brown, head of transport and environment at Shropshire Council, said: “Shropshire Council became aware of this issue when we received a notice from the development company that it had purchased the land with the intention of developing part of it.
"The development company wished the council to vacate the land and withdraw from operating the car park.
"At the same time the development company confirmed that they proposed to continue to have a public car park on part of the site."
It comes after Bridgnorth Chamber of Commerce questioned whether the car park would be sold to a care home developer in 2020, to which Shropshire Council planning chiefs denied all knowledge.
Mr Brown added: “We entered into immediate dialogue and negotiation with the development company in relation to the legal process they had initiated and, having worked through a number of scenarios, ultimately the most advantageous position was to secure public car parking on the site for the future – albeit this would no longer be operated by the council. This was on the basis the council only had rights under a license previously and was not the legal owner of the land.
“We know that this will mean a reduction in the size of this car park, as has already been approved in the extant planning consent relating to the property, and there will inevitably be changes whilst the new car park is built and becomes available for public use. The development company has confirmed it will retain 136 spaces for public use while it closes off the front section of the car park for construction of the new car parking layout adjacent the highway known as Old Smithfield.
"The car park operator has also committed to support the vaccination programme and honour free parking for a maximum of 30 minutes for those having their Covid vaccination. Proof will need to be shown on site.
“We’re aware of local concerns and we’re working closely with the Shropshire councillors for Bridgnorth to see how additional car parking can be achieved for the town and possible improvements to the High Street and its public realm as part of a package of work. We are also considering how local groups could be involved. Discussions will be held over the summer period once several initial proposals have been finalised.”
Shropshire Council has extended the consultation period for LNT Care Development's planning application by one week until June 14.
Petitions have been circling shops throughout Bridgnorth, gaining dozens of signatures from people objecting to the proposals.
John Crowther from Worfield uses Old Smithfield as his main car park when visiting, and said losing the car park will "rip the heart out of the town", while business owners fear the lack of parking spaces will drive people away from Bridgnorth.
