PLANS to charge for parking at Highcliffe Castle over the winter have sparked complaints from residents who fear it will cause them "unnecessary hardship and nuisance."

Christchurch council are planning to charge at the Castle car park over the winter, as well as the car park in Avon Run Road and Steamer Point.

All are currently free to park in for six months over the winter.

Many of the 29 objections came from residents living in Rothesay Drive, the road which leads to the castle.

They fear the parking charge of 50 pence would lead to more people parking in their road, which has no restrictions.

Generally, the other objections focused on the additional cost to people and concerns it could put people off visiting the area.

Comments were also made about the projected income from winter charges being very small, which 'did not justify their introduction'.

In total, it would generate an income of £6,635 - £3,575 from Avon Run Road, £2,020 from Highcliffe Castle and £840 from Steamer Point.

The Stanpit and Mudeford Residents Associations also described the winter charges as "unpalatable".

In a letter to the council, the organisation described the proposal as "disappointing", and said: "We predict that the result will be local people parking their cars in nearby streets to avoid the charge - some of whom visit the beach every day to walk their dogs or just give themselves some exercise."

They suggested just charging during half term in October and February.

A report going before the council on Wednesday says: "All the objections have been carefully considered.

"Although it is likely that some car park users will choose to park on the road and not pay 50p...it is not considered that this will create a significant traffic safety issue."

The council is forecasting an income of £2.7m from parking in the next year from £2.6m this year.