The appellants claimed that the car parks did not run at full capacity, averaging 70 per cent at peak times and 80 per cent on market days. The inspector reasoned that some patrons would park at the site in any event, so no loss of a space would result. However, he anticipated that a valeting service would require more space around the cars than that provided by a standard space.
The proposal would either produce fewer spaces for valeting or result in the loss of more than 11 spaces, he calculated. He recognised that provision of sufficient public parking within easy reach was essential to the continued vitality and viability of the town centre. In the absence of evidence to show that parking would not be adversely affected, he dismissed the appeal.
Inspector: Michael Muston; Written representations
