Is multi-storey car park a 'monstrosity' for town?

Plans to build a three-storey car park in a traditional market town have divided residents.

Test Valley Borough Council has proposed to demolish the Crosfield Hall, a community building in Romsey, Hampshire, and build the town's first multi-storey parking.

The £23m redevelopment also includes installing a new smaller community hall, businesses and 20 flats on the site of an existing surface car park in the town centre.

However, some visitors to a planning exhibition on Thursday said the high-rise parking was "ugly" and "in danger of being a public monstrosity".

Previously, a council-commissioned study found that parking in Romsey was insufficient.

Bradbeers Department Store, the town's biggest retailer, said it could move out if parking was reduced.

The new South of Romsey Town Centre scheme would add 85 spaces, although some of them would be slightly further from shops.

Resident Roger Marchbank said he worried that Romsey's traditional character could be blighted.

"I think they're trying to make us into Basingstoke," he added.

Another resident, Diana Davies, said the multi-storey would be "ugly in the middle of a historic town".

However, Shirley Dawson said: "They desperately need parking in Romsey. I feel much happier having seen the plan."

The Crosfield Hall, which is used for exhibitions and classes, was built by a local philanthropist and opened in 1936.

The council said a planning application was likely to be made in 2027.

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