PLANS to extend the use of a former Bournemouth town centre church site as a privately-run car park face strong opposition.

Cllr Hazel Allen, who represents the Bournemouth Central ward, has called in the application for the land at the former Punshon Church in Exeter Road.

Britannia Parking is seeking permission to continue the their current use of the site as a temporary car park.

The application has been recommended for approval by BCP Council planning officers.

In her objection, Cllr Allen, Conservative, said: “This is an eyesore for residents and visitors to the town centre and the BIC opposite.

“It has led to many complaints and has prompted concerns about road safety in the past with drivers driving the wrong way around the one-way system when exiting the car park onto Exeter Park Road and pedestrians cutting through the Car Park causing disturbance and excess rubbish in Exeter Park Road.”

Cllr Allen said if the application is granted, it should be for no longer than 12 months and with a condition to “significantly” improve the appearance of the site.

Britannia Parking is seeking permission to use the site for a further two years.

The planning officer’s report for the committee meeting on Thursday, July 21, said: “The use of the land as a temporary car park has merit given that it allows use of land that otherwise would be vacant and increases town centre parking provision which would benefit town centre uses.”

As reported, the Punshon Church site went on the market last month, two years after planning permission was granted to turn it into flats and shops.