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Unauthorized Car Park in Preston Sparks Planning Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Preston City Council is set to decide on a proposal from AIM Capital Limited to allow the unauthorized car park on Saul Street and Sizehouse Street to operate indefinitely. Despite being granted planning approval for a three-year period, the car park operator has continued to trade without the proper permission. The facility, which serves multiple public transport services, is claimed to be "well used" by 70% for court-related activities and 19% for work purposes, according to a survey conducted in June. However, council planners have recommended refusing the request, citing concerns that making the car park a permanent fixture would breach local planning policy and harm the site's future development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The unauthorized car park on Saul Street and Sizehouse Street was initially granted planning approval for a three-year period in September 2019.
  • Despite the expiration of this permission, the car park continued to operate without proper authorization.
  • AIM Capital Limited has applied to Preston City Council to allow the car park to maintain parking on the plot indefinitely.
  • Council planners have recommended refusing this request, citing concerns over breaching local planning policy and harming the site's future development.
  • A survey in June found that 70% of car park users were visit the site for court-related activities, while 19% used it for work purposes.
  • Other parking facilities are available within a short distance of the courts, which could alleviate the need for the Saul Street and Sizehouse Street car park.
  • The proposed permanent car park would "jeopardise the future development of the site" and could exacerbate air quality issues due to increased car travel.

Statistics:

  • The car park was granted planning approval for a three-year period in September 2019.
  • 70% of car park users access the site for court-related activities, according to a survey in June.
  • 19% of users visit for work purposes, according to the same survey.
  • Other suitable parking facilities are available within a short distance of the courts.
  • The car park operator has been served a notice to stop the unauthorized use of the site.

Sources:

  • Paul Faulkner
  • https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/11241933.jpg

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