Serious safety concerns have been raised over car park plan for a Leicestershire green space. One objector has branded the plan "tantamount to vandalism" amid fears that additional traffic will make the area more dangerous for residents and pedestrians. 

However, applicant John Bullen has said his proposal for Bullens Field in Ashby would "directly address" what he claims is a "shortfall of accessible parking" in the area. This in turn would "support local economic viability" through increased footfall into the town centre, he added. 

Some 92 pay-and-display spaces are proposed for Bullens Field, which is off Prior Park Road and backs onto Ashby's Bath Grounds. The land was once part of the village's medieval fishponds, but these have since been filled in with Mr Bullen describing what is left as "scrubland, overgrown vegetation and unmanaged trees". 

A number of objections have been received in response to the scheme, including from Ashby Town Council and those living in a nearby retirement complex. Key concerns revolve around safety issues, increased congestion and the loss of the green space. 

The residents of the Prior Park retirement homes said they "strongly" opposed the scheme, adding: "There are a number of elderly people, some in their 90s and also disabled living here, relying heavily on mobility scooters and other mobility aids to get around and into the town. 

"Safety is of paramount importance. The creation of 92 parking spaces is inevitably going to create a big safety issue. Children using Prior Park road to get to school will also be affected by the additional traffic. Getting out of Prior Park in a car is already difficult, trying to get into Bath Street always means queuing." 

Ashby Town Council questioned the need for the new car park, saying one had just opened at Money Hill which was "currently little used". The town council also cited additional traffic as a key concern, saying it believed it would result in more traffic travelling through the town centre and "lead to significantly increased congestion around Station Road and Bath Street and along South Street". 

The South Street/ Bath Street/Station Road junction is "already dangerous for pedestrians", the council added. The car park would "significantly add to these dangers", the objection stated. Moreover, the pavements along Prior Park Road are "too narrow" to ensure those using them would be safe with the additional cars travelling along it. 

Access for carers and healthcare professionals, including ambulances, could be "severely compromised" by the scheme, they said. The town council also raised worries over the impact on those living in the area, saying people walking to and from the site would be "noisy", particularly in the early hours. 

Should the plan go ahead, the council set out a number of mitigations it would want to see. These included funding towards a crossing in South Street, an agreement that a portion of the income would be made available for the community, and free parking for town council events. 

Criticisms have also arisen over the environmental impact of the plan. One resident said: "It is a verdant area where bird song can be heard that adds to the peaceful nature of the area. We already have a car park on South Street, North Street and a newly built car park in the new development at Castle Manor. 

"To destroy this historic natural environment for yet another car park is tantamount to vandalism. Let's keep Ashby green and avoid killing any more of our beautiful natural flora and fauna." 

However, the local business group has weighed in in favour of the scheme, saying it is committed to increasing footfall locally and encouraging visitors into the town. It added: "The town centre car parks are at near full capacity most days and visitors often leave as they are unable to find a space." 

This is not the first-time plans to develop the land have been put forward. An outline plan for 13 homes was submitted in 2017 but was withdrawn "largely due to heritage issues". 

Mr Bullen said the scheme would reduce parking pressures in Ashby, adding: "Existing on and off-street parking provision is under significant pressure, particularly during weekends and peak periods, restricting ease of access for visitors and local residents alike. This can deter footfall, reduce dwell time, and negatively affect the town's economic vitality." 

Residents are able to have their say on the plan until Tuesday 30 September with more information available on the North West Leicestershire District Council planning portal. A target decision date has been set for Friday 10 October.