Permission refused for city car park

The car park has been at the centre of controversy for over a decade now, with a campaign to keep it open, and another calling for the site to be redeveloped.

Outline planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of the site, which will include both residential and retail accommodation. However, whilst full planning permission has yet to be sought, the owners of the car park have applied for permission to continue to operate temporarily as a car park.

After their application was refused by the Planning Service, the owners. JIPCO Ltd, appealed the decision, submitting a petition by customers in support of their proposal to keep the car park open.

At the end of January the Planning Appeals Commission issued their determination on the application, stating that there was no need for the city centre car park.

In her determination, the Commissioner said the main issue in the appeal was whether there was a need for a car park.

“Whilst the onus is not on the Department to demonstrate need, it provided a list of the car parks available in the city centre, along with their occupancy rates,” she said.

“This information indicates that of a total of 3245 spaces, only 710 were in use in the morning, with 1330 in use in the afternoon. They argued that there is no need for the car park as there is surplus parking space available.

“The Appellants’ evidence is restricted to those who use or benefit from the car park. It is therefore subjective in nature.

“One would expect those using a car park to reply in the affirmative when openly asked if it is needed. Similarly, nearby traders are also likely to state that the car park is needed.

“A convenient car park is good for business. I therefore prefer the numerical evidence from the Department. This clearly indicates a surplus of car parking provision in the city centre.