THE leader of Wiltshire Council has once again slammed plans to transform a Salisbury car park into housing.

Richard Clewer, also councillor for Downton and Ebble Valley ward, says Salisbury City Council's proposal to change Brown Street car park into a residential area will “fall flat on its face”, as it is not a "viable".

Last year, as part of the Salisbury City Council's Neighbourhood Development Plan, a consultation was launched to consider building a range of affordable and market housing on the site, as well as on The Quarry on Wilton Road and Coldharbour Lane.

It was previously reported that the Brown Street site is to be fully considered if a study confirmed it is no longer required for parking.

Wiltshire Council formally announced its resistance to these plans back in April, but Cllr Clewer says that, while Brown Street was considered in the Central Area Framework as a potential development site, he is concerned that the site continues to be an option within the neighbourhood plan.

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The public can now air their thoughts on these proposals until the end of next month, September 30, as the neighbourhood plan enters a fresh consultation stage.

Then, based on feedback, a revised plan will be put forward for outline planning permission.

In a letter to Salisbury City Council, the county authority previously said it was resisting any proposals for making alternative use of car parks until the outcome of the local transport plan is known.

“It worries me that residents are being asked to consult on something that isn’t viable,” Cllr Clewer said.

“I just do not support this and despite our best efforts, it is still being put forward.

“[The council has] proceeded and we have tried to explain to them but they are focussed on getting it complete.

“It is not going to go through, it just isn’t viable, when this goes in front of inspectors it will not be successful.

“My real concern is the public getting asked about it when it is going to fall flat on its face.”

He added a "detailed parking strategy" is needed before significant changes can be made to parking in the city.

For more information and to take part in the neighbourhood plan consultation, click here.

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