A PLANNING application to keep a Stourport site as a car park for the next seven years has now been lodged by the council.

Previously, Wyre Forest District Council planned to build three-storey accommodation to house homeless people at the Bridge Street site – but the proposal was rejected by their planning committee.

That decision came after more than 1,300 objections against the schemes were made, including opposition from Stourport Town Council – and, as we revealed in September, the setback cost the district council almost £200,000.

The council bought the land more than a decade ago from Lloyds Garages. It has been operating as a temporary public car park for the past 4 years, following the demolition of buildings on site.

The planning statement reads: “The retention of temporary car parking will ensure that the town centre site remains an active use and will help to support local businesses in the town.”

Some residents on social media have voiced frustration at the plan, sharing other suggestions for the site including new toilets and opening up the gateway to the basins.

Stourport resident Dave Bishop said: “As far as I’m concerned, when they say a seven year planning application for a car park, it doesn’t mean the car park will be there for the full seven years. Something may still happen in the interim.

“I’m still hoping that Stourport gets the gateway to the basins that it was promised. This is my hometown, I’m Stourport born and bred. "I’ve got four generations of my family still alive in the town, so I’m very conscious of what happens to it.

“The problem was never about what was planned, it was about where it was.

"We’ve always been promised a gateway to the basins. There have been a few television programmes in recent months showcasing Stourport and how nice a town it is. I only hope at some point that Stourport gets the legacy it deserves and that a gateway is constructed.”

Councillor Graham Ballinger, the leader of the council and cabinet member for strategy and finance, previously said there is "no prospect" of the council funding a project in its next medium-term financial strategy and that future development depends on "viable proposals" funded by another party.

The Shuttle approached Wyre Forest District Council for comment.