CHARGING to park at Templars Retail Park will go ahead, after city councillors approved the plans.

The car park is the last of four in the area to impose charges, along with nearby Barns Road, Castle and Templars car parks.

At a Cowley area committee on Wednesday, councillors voted on proposals to build ticket barriers, pay machines and new signs.

Concerns had been expressed about the proposal, but at the meeting, councillors voted unanimously in favour.

Bryan Keen, for Cowley, who chaired the meeting: “It was agreed that parking would remain free for half an hour and then start charging after that time. We know that some people use that car park and stay there all day, so something had to be done.

“I’m happy with the decision. I live near the retail park and often just pop down to B&Q in my car to pick up a quick thing or two.

“I’m confident this will not change that, and was the sensible decision to make.”

A spokesman for Resolution Properties, which manages the site, said the car park was the only free car park in the area and that had led to abuse.

He said: “While retail parks typically offer free car parking, most retail parks are located outside city and district centres and can be managed more easily.”

He said there was no evidence the proposed barriers would cause congestion.

He added: “The cost is likely to be at a comparable level to other shoppers car parks within the centre.”