Extra long-stay car parking spaces open in Northamptonshire town

The first phase of 60 spaces at the Tove Long Stay Car Park in Northampton Road was opened in April, but conditions imposed by the Local Highways Authority (LHA) meant the remaining 110 space were cordoned off.

During a meeting of South Northamptonshire Council’s (SNC) development control committee on Thursday July 28 a planning application was approved allowing the use of the additional 110 parking spaces for 12 months.

According to results of a parking study carried out in June 2015 by the independent transport surveyors WYG, there was a definite short and long term need for a greater number of parking spaces in Towcester.

In order to meet this need there are now 170 spaces within the long-stay car park, seven of which are disabled bays.

Cllr, Roger Clarke SNC’s portfolio holder for planning and the environment, said: “As a growing market town it is vital that we offer sufficient parking provision for those living, working in and visiting Towcester.

“By increasing the amount of long stay parking spaces in the town we at SNC are facilitating the long-term growth and sustainability of Towcester’s economy.”

The condition imposed by the LHA has been reassessed and they are satisfied that the release of the additional spaces would not cause any harm to highway safety.

The 12-month temporary period of phase two allows the situation to be reviewed and monitored until further highway improvement works have been carried out at the Brackley Road/Watling Street junction.

The decision means town centre workers and anyone intending to stay longer than three hours can park in the long-stay car park and that anyone visiting the town for a shorter period is now more likely to find a space.