Maines Predicts Parking Chaos

1.14.01pm GMT Mon 22nd Dec 2003

Chris Maines is predicting parking chaos when Station Road car park is demolished

Bromley Council is being criticised for failing to make adequate arrangements for replacement car parking when Orpington's Station Road multi-storey car-park closes.

Speaking at the Development Control committee, local Liberal Democrat councillor, Chris Maines, said "It is the Council that is selling the car park and encouraging Tesco's to consult on its plans. But they have remained silent about where cars will park during the demolition and construction time."

"I expect the Council will scrap all the on-street parking restrictions that many residents have fought for." predicted Cllr Maines.

A planning application, for the Council-owned site, has been lodged by Tesco who want to build a 9,000 sq metre supermarket, a medical centre, 64 flats and a car park for 934 vehicles. Extensive consultation is taking place with local residents and traders about the plans, which will be considered in full by the Council's planning committee on 10th February 2004.

"Many residents are responding to Tesco's proposal," says Cllr Maines, "The Council need to be proactive about find a solution to the inevitable parking chaos."

"The Council has failed to discuss with residents their contingency plans for car parking around the area, which could result in 800 extra vehicles parked in local residential roads," claims Cllr Chris Maines, "It seems the Council have not thought about the problems looming."