Fitness centre boss hits out after new enterprise units approved on car park

COUNCILLORS have given the go-ahead for £1.5 million plans to build enterprise units on a car park - despite fears the scheme could harm existing businesses.

- Phil Corrigan

Newcastle Borough Council will use part of Kidsgrove's Town Deal funding to redevelop the public car park on Meadows Road with three small business units.

It says the scheme will boost the economy by providing purpose-built space for small businesses.

But objectors, including the owners of existing nearby businesses, say the plans will have the opposite effect by effectively taking parking away from customers.

Although the reconfigured car park would still provide 18 spaces, there are concerns that the new units will increase demand for parking in the area. But members of the borough council's planning committee voted to approve the application, in line with their officer's recommendation.

Josephine McLean, who runs the Fitness Collab, next to the car park site, told the committee there was already a shortage of parking in the area.