Demolishing lock-up garages will make parking even worse
9:59am Wednesday 21st May 2008
THIS is the severe parking problem' in a Droitwich street where councillors say even more homes can be built.
Residents in Stalls Farm Road and nearby Steynors Avenue had opposed an application to demolish lock-up garages and replace them with six new homes.
They say the loss of garages and extra traffic generated by the homes will make existing traffic and parking problems even worse.
The street is already jammed with cars, some of which may belong to commuters who refuse to pay parking charges recently introduced at Droitwich railway station.
But Wychavon District Council's planning committee agreed Spa Housing Association could demolish the garages in Stalls Farm Road and build the new, four-bedroom affordable homes.
Harold Colley, of Steynors Avenue, said: "I'm bitterly disappointed.
"They totally ignored the fact there's a severe parking problem here.
"It seemed to be brushed aside by the planning committee as of no consequence. I think that's born out of people who don't know the area."
Spa Housing Association made residents vacate the garages, although they did offer replacement garages elsewhere and advised some residents on turning gardens into parking spaces.
Rosemary O'Grady, who used to keep her Suzuki Alto in one of the garages, said: "I was very disappointed with it.
"I had a garage which led right to my back garden.
"I didn't take another one because being a pensioner and a woman I didn't want to be walking back home from other streets late at night."
Mrs O'Grady said she will now be forced to leave her car on the pavement outside her home. Although the plan was opposed by councillors representing Droitwich, the majority voted to allow the new homes after deciding the loss of the small number of garages would not adversely affect the area.
Coun Judy Pearce said: "They may be a few more but I don't think you can blame the parking situation becoming much worse on this court.
"I think the housing association has worked hard with local people to try and do the best they can to provide much needed homes for rent in the centre of Droitwich."