Resident fears developers may be put off converting grotspot Bridge Hotel in Sutton Bridge if councillors challenge car parking
A concerned resident fears that developers may walk away from converting a grotspot into homes by councillors challenging parking proposals.
Sutton Bridge parish councillors have looked at plans to convert the Bridge Hotel into 15 flats - but the majority agreed they feel there is insufficient parking.
API Investments has allocated 12 car parking spaces and councillors are appealing for the basement to be used for parking.
However, resident Barbara Almey is concerned that developers may walk away from the project and that the grotspot will remain an eyesore into the gateway of Lincolnshire.
She said: “All we are concerned with is that something is being done as you see that monstrosity as you come over the bridge.
“It would be a shame if it gets turned down due to insufficient parking.
“It is next to a bus stop and will bring so much economy into the village.”
Coun Chris Bewis stated that parking is an overall consideration.
He said: “There is inadequate parking in my opinion.
“They would have to provide twice the amount of parking, 30 vehicles, for 15 flats.”
Another councillor agreed with Mrs Almey that the main issue for them was to deal with an unsightly building and provide homes for people.
Coun Melvyn Philpott said: “Are we thinking about people or cars?
“The most important thing is people who need somewhere to live.
“It should be up to the tenant to find their own parking.”
Coun Brewis expressed concerns that the development should not be agreed ‘at any cost’ and that the parking issues do not apply in a village as in cities.
Councillors at the extraordinary parish council meeting voted to bring attention to the developers, Rob Bridgewater and Jamie Sandford of API Investments about the issue of parking at the flats.
The duo are behind the transformation of The Red Cow in Donington and The Chequers in Holbeach.
Chairman Coun Mary Middleton said: “We will ask and see what the response is.”
Other Lincolnshire grot spots that are commonly raised as an issue:
- The former Johnson Hospital, Spalding
- The Bull and Monkie, Spalding, but there are plans to covert this into a care home
- The Bull Hotel in Long Sutton
- The Bell in Pinchbeck
- Former Barkers Cafe in Grantham
- Former B&M Bargains site in Boston
What do you think? Post your comments below.
