PLANS to finally eradicate parking problems at Lymington New Forest Hospital by virtually doubling the number of spaces to 400 have been tabled by UBS Triton Property Fund.

But the 200 extra spaces on 1.32 acres of land next to the new hospital have been met with mixed responses.

New Forest District Council planning officers say the proposed site at the Ampress industrial estate should be used for industrial, office or business use and the council’s economic development officer and planning policy team have been consulted.

Those in favour so far include Oakhaven Hospice which says patients are put under additional stress when visiting the hospital and cannot find a parking space.

The hospital’s Legague of Friends chairman Robert Jackson has written saying he is disappointed to hear that there had been objections from some Ampress businesses.

The League of Friends’ shop says: “Obstacles to this provision will need to be overcome in the best interests of the community as a whole.”

Both Lymington Town Council and Lymington Society are in favour.

Ampress businesses in favour of the new car park are Arctic Spas, Smartistart Jigsaw Furniture and Godshaer Botanicals.

But those objecting include E G Dunford Builders, which says the road is not up to standard, was never designed to access a public car park and the high level of cars mixing with goods vehicles would lead to added dangers.

Also objecting are BHG Marine, Fusion Welding and Fabrication Ltd, Sullivan Lawford managing agents and Harken-UK Ltd.

The hospital was built with limited parking spaces as a planning condition set down by the district council as part of a green travel plan.

However, since its opening in January 2007, there have been complaints about lack of parking provision.

A survey carried out earlier this year by JPC Highway consultants concluded there was a shortfall in spaces because of the increase in clinical activity.