A MEETING will take place tonight to discuss Wyre Forest District Council’s consultation to remove Bridge Street Car Park from the car park order and sell it off.
The get-together starts at 7pm at Stourport Community, Lickhill Road (on the Memorial Park).
Stourport Civic Society are urging everyone to turn up to discuss the plans and have their say.
The history of the site
Around a decade ago, Wyre Forest District Council launched a vision for Stourport to create a scenic pathway along the River Severn.
The plan was designed to improve access to the town’s historic basin, boost tourism, and enhance the local economy.
The council purchased the land, previously owned by a long-standing local business, with the ambition of creating a ‘gateway’ to showcase the area’s heritage and natural beauty.
However, after acquiring the land, no development ensued and the area was temporarily converted into a gravel car park. Years later, the council proposed constructing housing for homeless people on the site.
Stourport residents objected to the location of the development, citing concerns it would be unsuitable due to being near local pubs and an arcade.
The objections were heard, and the site continued as a car park.
The district council announced a plan to sell the site due to underuse of the car park and the need for sustainable, viable land management.
The announcement has reignited community concerns over the lost opportunity to implement the original vision for a riverside path connecting to the basin.
On November 5, at a Stourport Town Council meeting, councillors discussed the consultation and expressed their desire to see the district council reconsider the original project as part of its local development plan.
What Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member had to say
Coun Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and the green agenda said: “We are consulting on removing the temporary car park in Bridge Street from the car parking order.
“We have tried many times to secure a viable development on the site which was acquired by the council over 15 years ago by agreement with the previous owners.
“That has not been possible and we are now looking to sell it.
“It is disappointing but market forces over many years have not been favourable, developers have not been forthcoming, and this site is not sustainable for the council in its present form.
“Analysis of our ticket sales shows that the car park, which was intended to be temporary, is not being used to its capacity and many of those who are using it have moved from other car parks in the town where there are still spaces.
“As the temporary planning permission for the site’s use as a car park expires next February, this is the right time to undertake this consultation.”
The consultation, open until Wednesday, November 13, provides a chance for public input, and Stourport residents are encouraged to participate.
Visit: wyreforestdc.gov.uk/streets-and-parking/parking/off-street-parking-places-consolidation-order/ for more information.
