Two car parks 'safe' from development

Traders in a Somerset town said they are "relieved" that two car parks under threat of closure look set to be saved from development.

North Lane and Court Ash were picked out as areas that could be built on in the draft Yeovil Masterplan.

But following a public consultation, Somerset Council has been recommended not to include them when it meets to discuss the move on Wednesday.

David Bailey, owner of the Mad Hatter shop in Yeovil said "it's a relief" for all the businesses that depend on people coming into the town.

Jane Talbot from Cafe 50 set up a petition, which was signed by more than 5,000 people, to keep the car parks open.

Speaking on BBC Radio Somerset she said: "Thankfully the support's been so good, that Somerset Council has changed their minds and listened to the community, so it is really a testament to listening to community voices."

Liberal Democrat councillor David Woan, who sits on Yeovil Town Council and Somerset Council, said: "The level of [parking space] reduction proposed by the masterplan would have had a serious and long-term impact on the accessibility, viability and future growth of Yeovil's retail, leisure and cultural sectors."

Stars Lane car park remains on the masterplan, which is being considered by Somerset Council's Planning and Transport Policy Sub-Committee on Wednesday.

Woan said he will continue to fight to save the car park.

In the papers being discussed at Wednesday's meeting, the council said "further exploration" is needed before Stars Lane car park and sites on South Street and Box Factory are discounted.

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