A HOUSEHOLDER could be refused permission for a disabled space close to his home after other residents complained there was not enough parking in the street.

Ten residents in Kennett Road, Headington, objected when one of their neighbours asked Oxfordshire County Council if he could be allocated a new Disabled Persons’ Parking Place (DPPP).

David Nimmo Smith, the county councillor in charge of transport, has decided to delay a decision until officers have conducted a further investigation.

The matter was raised at the delegated decisions meeting at County Hall on Thursday, chaired by Mr Nimmo Smith.

Following the meeting, he said: “There are not enough parking spaces in the street and it’s possible this disabled resident could have access to hard-standing at the back of his home — that’s something we need to look into.”

In a report to the meeting, Mark Kemp, deputy director for environment and economy, wrote: “Ten residents have objected to the proposed DPPP in Kennett Road on the grounds that parking space is so scarce in the area that most residents have hard-standings in their gardens with dropped kerb access to the road.

He added: “It has been stated that the applicant has his own drive and garage off Bateman Street and the proposed DPPP would replace two permit holder car spaces.

“Currently the applicant is out of the country but a letter and email have been sent requesting further information.”

One resident in the street, who asked not to be named, admitted objecting to the disabled parking space.

She said: “I have lived in the street for 12 years and it is quite difficult to find parking spaces around here.

“I’m OK because I have a parking permit, but one disabled space would take up two car spaces and that means it could be difficult for visitors or workmen to park.

“I wouldn’t say there is any bad feeling about this, but there has been a bit of grumbling about it.”

  • Mr Nimmo Smith agreed that the existing two parking spaces for the disabled in Pembroke Square in the city centre could be remodelled to accommodate three cars. St Aldates Church, Oxford Pastoral Housing Association and Pembroke College have all supported the proposal. Disabled spaces will also be created in Stratford Street and Warwick Street in East Oxford.