HIGHAMS PARK: Car park to be turned into flats

3:36pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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A PREVIOUSLY packed car park which became little used after charges went up 150 per cent last year is to be redeveloped for housing.

Bulldozers will roll onto the Larkshall Road car park in Highams Park, and the surrounding land.

Under the proposals, put forward by a housing association and the (PCT), the development will include a doctor’s surgery and as many as 60 family-sized affordable homes.

In a report to cabinet, a council officer said: “Interest has been expressed by the Primary Care Trust to re-provide a very poor quality surgery currently located on Handsworth Avenue (sic).

“A smaller car park will be provided to the rear of the petrol station.

“It would be proposed to provide a higher quality car park with better lighting and security.”

The current car park has been beset by problems, including graffiti, fly tipping and anti-social behaviour and was also hit by a decline in trade after prices went up dramatically in 2007.

But concerns were raised by residents of neighbouring Coolgardie Avenue at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting over whether parking facilities would be reduced in the area, as well as the possibility of losing privacy if nearby trees were felled.

Cllr Keith Rayner said: “Consultation is to come back later this year regarding a Controlled Parking Zone. We hope to provide decent parking facilities, including CCTV cameras.

“We’re also not going to start tearing down trees that act as a natural screen from any future development.”

The surrounding sites include a housing hostel and some small plots of unused land as well as an office block, whose owners have said they are prepared to sell part of their site.

It was recommended that Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association should be the partner in the development.

A council spokesman said: “Once developed, the scheme will demonstrate good partnership working between the council and the PCT together with improved parking facilities and significant additional affordable housing.

“The council could dispose of the property on the open market but to do so would not result in a space for the PCT or any housing units and would not provide a good return.”

A formal planning application will now be made.