Bridge Street: Plans to close and sell off Stourport car park

The local authority is consulting on closing the car park Bridge Street in Stourport after failing to secure a "viable development" on the site.

The council bought the land more than a decade ago from Lloyds Garages but planned developments fell through as the site was operated as a temporary car park.

Councillor Dan Morerhead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda said: “We are consulting on closing the car park in Bridge Street.

"Analysis of our ticket sales shows that the car park is not being used to its capacity and many of those who are using it have moved from other car parks in the town where there are still spaces.

"The temporary planning permission for the site’s use as a car park expires next February, so this is the right time to do this.

"Our consultation runs until Wednesday 13 November and is open to the town council and any interested person to respond.

"We have tried many times over the years to secure a viable development on the site, but this has not been possible and we are now looking to sell the site.”

The Shuttle reported in August 2020 that Wyre Forest District Council’s plans to build three-storey accommodation to house homeless people at the site were rejected by their planning committee.

Since acquiring the site in 2009 the Shuttle previously reported that the council says it has pursued a number of opportunities to develop it in accordance with the Development Brief for the site, including working with a private sector development partner as well as the Canal and River Trust which owns land to the rear of the site.

Those who wish to object to the council's plans, the objection together with the grounds for making it must be made in writing to the Solicitor to the Council, Wyre Forest District Council, Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, DY11 7WF not later than 4pm on 13 November 2024.