Plans for a new car park in a Lake District town has drawn more than 40 objections.
The long list of representations over the project in Phoenix Way, Windermere, includes submissions from district councillors, the town council and a Sea Scout group.
Objections include the narrow width of the road makes it difficult or even impossible for vehicles to pass and that the absence of pavement would mean increased danger for pedestrians if plans were approved.
The new car park would sit on land next to Applethwaite Green care home. It would add 21 spaces, bringing the total at the site to 29.
The county council said its scheme would help to ease parking issues in Windermere.
But the application has drawn the ire of the community.
Windermere district councillors Andrew Jarvis and Dyan Jones said in a joint representation that it was ‘easy to imagine gridlock at this location in the busy summer months’ with vehicles entering and leaving the car park.
“The narrow road at the top of Phoenix Way has no pavements,” they said. “This route is used by many of the elderly residents who live close by, to get to town.
“With increased traffic it would become less safe and presents a potential risk to pedestrians.”
Resident Joan McManus said: “At the best of times it is very difficult to turn right out of Phoenix Way.
“This situation is made worse if a vehicle is trying to enter, as two cars cannot pass at this point nor can one see the oncoming traffic on the A591 or that joining from Elleray Road. Obviously an increase in traffic will only create more problems.”
Linda Bowden, group Scout leader at 1st Windermere Sea Scout Group, which meets in Phoenix Way, said exiting Phoenix Way onto the A591 was extremely difficult and expressed concerns about the prospect of impatient drivers as a result of a new car park.
Windermere Town Council’s planning sub-committee has told the national park authority, from which applicant Cumbria County Council is seeking approval, that it believes the application should be refused.
