ONGOING parking issues in West Cliff have led to further concerns over the potential loss of the Durley Road car park.

On Monday Bournemouth's planning board is due to consider the second application by the Bournemouth Development Company – a partnership between the council and Morgan Sindall Investments – to build a six storey block of 44 flats on the site.

Unlike the company's other car park schemes there is no intention to include replacement public parking spaces on site as part of the Durley Road proposal.

Recently the chairman of the Durley Chine Road South Residents' Association Judy Hook wrote to the borough to raise concerns about the loss of parking.

"On the broader matter of parking in Bournemouth, it was interesting to note that people were parking on the green at the southern end of the road and were overheard to say that there is 'nowhere to park in Bournemouth'.

"It is crazy that the council intends to close down a number of car parks in the town. Are you trying to dissuade visitors? If so, the town will die.

"We have a Blue Flag beach and we should be encouraging visitors so that the town will flourish, instead of building flats on every available site, meaning that the town will be constantly in gridlock, which will also deter visitors."

Last year saw numerous cars parked on the centre of the Durley roundabout and on verges along West Cliff Road during busy summer weekends.

Responding to Mrs Hook, ward councillor Nick Rose said he agreed the lack of parking in the area was a problem.

"I agree, but the leadership under my fellow ward councillor John Beesley is determined to build on all our small car parks," he said.

"I’m afraid my protestations to him have fallen on deaf ears, particularly with the Durley Road car park, so you may wish to come into the chamber in full council and make your case to all councillors."

The council has agreed to numerous planning conditions in an attempt to reduce the impact of the car park's loss.

These include £354,000 to improve safety for youngsters walking to St Michael's Primary School on nearby roads, provision of an enforcement officer to prevent inconsiderate roadside parking by parents, and relocation of Durley Road permit holders to the Avenue Car Park.

The council has insisted there will be no net loss of parking spaces due to its programme.