THE DECISION to sell off a town centre car park has been labelled a “disaster” by a Christchurch councillor.

The view comes as Christchurch Borough Council is in the midst of a detailed process to review and alter the car parking arrangement in the town centre.

The council owned Pit Site car park and nearby Bargates car park at the former law courts, which is operated by the local authority, are set to be sold off for development.

Proposals for the whole site, including the police station and law courts, have been discussed by the council in private sessions.

Reports suggest discussions have taken place on residential development, shops, and community and leisure facilities.

A report to the resources committee meeting on Wednesday December 6, says: “A capital receipt in excess of £1m will be received by the council from the sale of the Pit Site car park. The timing of this receipt is not yet known (and not guaranteed) but could be in late 2018.”

The Pit Site and Bargates car parks provide 155 parking spaces.

At a recent meeting of community committee, Cllr Colin Bungey said he was still strongly against the decision to sell the Pit Site car park.

“I think the signing off of the Pit Site car park is a disaster,” Cllr Bungey said.

“With all the moving about and provision of car parking spaces in different areas there will be no car parking in Bargates for anybody.

“That is a problem because we have been trying to incorporate Bargates into our town centre improvements and to improve business, trade and access up there. All that is out the window.

“I still oppose the sale of the Pit site. I think it will be a disaster and in the longer term this council will regret it.”