Petition against 'idiotic' car park development passes 1,000 signatures
Over 1,000 individuals have put their names to a petition objecting to the transformation of an Oxfordshire car park into a residential building project.
West Oxfordshire District CouncilWest Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) has issued new information regarding their plans to redevelop the Woodford Way Car Park in Witney, transforming it into a residential area with one- and two-bedroom properties.
The project is still in its infancy, but preliminary studies suggest the location could accommodate as many as 70 'affordable' homes. The local authority intends to keep approximately 70 parking bays available.
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The suggestion has sparked discussion, with Tory councillor Thomas Ashby branding it "idiotic".
Councillor Liam Walker has launched a petition urging the West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) to "rethink these plans".
The leader of the Conservative party in Oxfordshire stated: "I have serious reservations regarding West Oxfordshire District Council's plan to construct new housing on the Woodford Way car park in Witney. This would leave only 70 public parking spaces for those visiting the town centre."
He argued that it would harm the local economy, add further strain to the already scarce parking facilities, and make the town centre less accessible.
Liam Walker, who leads the Conservative party in Oxfordshire.(Image: Liam Walker)Richard Martin, who heads up the Witney Chamber of Commerce, also shares this scepticism.
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"It's all in line with the scheme to discourage car use," he explained.
Mr Walker also mentioned that, considering the projected construction of up to 18,000 new residences in West Oxfordshire by 2041, an increase in parking provisions is necessary.
The petition boasts approximately 1,200 signatures and is available to view.here.
(Image courtesy of West Oxfordshire District Council) Despite the early stage of the Woodford Way development, it has prominent supporters.
WODC executive member for housing and social care, Labour’s Geoff Saul called it a “key opportunity to provide truly affordable homes for people in Witney”.
Geoff Saul, WODC executive member for housingHe said: “The site was intended for housing, and this is the first step in delivering on that promise.”
Witney’s Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard meanwhile pointed out that the scheme was in the current Local Plan “which was drafted by the Conservatives”.
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He went on to say: "Given the exorbitant cost of land, utilising council-owned property is crucial for the construction of these homes."
Charlie Maynard speaking in the House of Commons (Image: Charlie Maynard) "I fully agree that the parking situation needs to be worked out and people need to put their heads together to do that, but let's not forget that the goal here is to help those in dire need."
Duncan Enright, who is the Labour deputy leader of WODC, said the council is “committed to retaining free parking on Woodford Way and expanding use of Marriotts Walk multi-storey which is not full at the moment”.
“That allows us to explore a plan for flats without reducing availability of parking," he said.
WODC has confirmed that any plans for Woodford Way will be consulted upon.