COUNCIL chiefs have pledged that no parking spaces will be lost if a controversial social housing development goes ahead on a site in the centre of Christchurch.

Local residents and nearby businesses bosses, already upset over a council clamp on long-stay parking in the Wick Lane car park, were alarmed at news that the town hall had done a deal with Western Challenge housing association to build seven homes on part of the car park and the site of an adjoining house.

And the town hall's policy on parking was queried by Chamber of Trade general secretary Terry Atkinson in a series of questions tabled at a meeting of the full council.

"On the assertion that, in this borough, most residents will have at least one car, it seem inevitable that parking space somewhere will be required," said Mr Atkinson.

"Having gone to great lengths to increase the shopper space at Wick Lane by the removal of long-stay permits it would be a major setback if parking space there were reduced as a consequence of housing development."

But leader of the council Cllr Alan Griffiths said it had been a long-term aim to acquire the rear garden of the property at 11 Wick Lane for an extension to the car park while the frontage of the site was zoned in the local plan for housing.

"Now that this land has been acquired, a planning application for this extension to the car park will be submitted in the near future," said Cllr Griffiths.

"The development of the Wick Lane frontage will incorporate some of the existing car parking spaces but the council has given an undertaking that there will be no overall loss of parking spaces as a result."

Cllr Griffiths said the parking and housing issues were aired during the town centre strategy consultations involving the chamber and there would be further chance for public comment as part of the planning process.