Smithfield Car Park in Bridgnorth – an update
Smithfield Car Park in Bridgnorth ceased to operate as a Shropshire Council car park from 8pm yesterday (Thursday 20 May 2021) after the site was sold by Sainsburys to a development company.
Shropshire Council provided a car parking service under licence at the site, but the sale of the land means that this provision has now ended.
However, as part of ongoing discussions with the council, the development company has committed to provide public car parking on the site for at least 25 years. As a result, 136 public car parking spaces will be provided in a purpose-built car park to be built by the developer, and monies will be set aside to support car parking elsewhere in the town.
Steve Brown, Shropshire Council’s head of transport and environment, said:
“Shropshire Council became aware of this issue when we received a notice from the development company that it had purchased the land with the intention of developing part of it. The development company wished the council to vacate the land and withdraw from operating the car park. At the same time the development company confirmed that they proposed to continue to have a public car park on part of the site.
“We entered into immediate dialogue and negotiation with the development company in relation to the legal process they had initiated and, having worked through a number of scenarios, ultimately the most advantageous position was to secure public car parking on the site for the future – albeit this would no longer be operated by the council. This was on the basis the council only had rights under a license previously, and was not the legal owner of the land.
“We know that this will mean a reduction in the size of this car park, as has already been approved in the extant planning consent relating to the property, and there will inevitably be changes whilst the new car park is built and becomes available for public use. The development company has confirmed it will retain 136 spaces for public use, whilst it closes off the front section of the car park for construction of the new car parking layout adjacent the highway known as Old Smithfield. The car park operator has also committed to support the vaccination programme and honour free parking for a maximum of 30 minutes for those having their COVID-19 vaccinations. Proof will need to be shown on site.
“We’re aware of local concerns and we’re working closely with the Shropshire Councillors for Bridgnorth to see how additional car parking can be achieved for the town, and possible improvements to the High Street and its public realm, as part of a package of work. We are also considering how local groups could be involved. Discussions will be held over the summer period once several initial proposals have been finalised.”
A planning application has been submitted for part of the Smithfield site and Shropshire Council has extended the consultation period by one week until 14 June 2021.
