Rail parking plan approved despite traffic fears (From Oxford Mail)
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Rail parking plan approved despite traffic fears
7:00am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News
A CONTROVERSIAL multi-storey car park plan for Banbury train station has been approved.
Cherwell District Council’s planning committee approved the scheme for land next to a Royal Mail sorting office off Higham Way on Thursday.
Chiltern Railways said the 707-space car park was vital to meet growing demand and the loss this year of car parks on temporary leases.
But some councillors and residents warned the move would be overbearing on nearby flats and worsen traffic congestion.
Grimsbury and Castle member Ann Bonner told councillors: “For a local councillor who has for years fought for additional parking at Banbury station, to be so vehemently opposed to this application must prove to you how flawed I think the proposals are.”
Warning of a “drastic” traffic impact, the three-storey car park should go on the other side of the station, she said.
Chiltern Railways said the Government would fund the scheme on the condition that it provided 707 spaces – with a link bridge to the station – and is completed by March 2014.
Business development director Graham Cross said: “This permanent solution for parking will allow us to accommodate present and future rail passengers.”
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