Charity announces plans to build upon car park

Householders near to the Youth Hostel Association (YHA), in Dimple Road, received letter from the organisation stating its intention to build upon its car park.

The letter said: “As the lower section of the car park si largely surplus to our requirements we have been looking at how we can rationalise the site. What we propose to do is to submit a planning application for a small residential development.”

Grayden Daniels, whose home in Wyvern Close backs onto the YHA car park, said: “We will not be keen on our garden being overlooked, particularly when we sit out.”

Grayden moved to the house in 1979 when the now YHA building was owned by Severn Trent.

“I am hoping that they won’t get planning permission,” he added. “When the plans come out I want to be object.”

Residents have raised concerns about potential noise and disturbance caused by building work.

Hayley Stevens, head of estates at YHA, said: “YHA has applied for planning consent to convent the lower part of it’s national office car park to a small residential housing scheme. The lower car park was sub-let to a local business for their staff. They no longer need it and we have enough parking for our National Office staff without that area.