Parking concerns over Sheerness High Street flat plans
Published: 00:01, 02 October 2018
There are concerns over the amount of parking spaces a block of flats will have, if plans are approved.
The scheme will see the Gulf Oil petrol station in Sheerness High Street, on the corner of Invicta Road, demolished and replaced with 30 one-bedroom self-contained flats.
Plan layouts show 25 parking spaces are to be provided at ground level, despite the apartments being suitable to house one to two people.
Cars will be able to access the bays through the existing drop kerb off Invicta Road.
Responding to a consultation on the plans, Phil Crowder of Galway Road, Sheerness, said: "People are already parking right to the end of the roads causing access problems for fire service and dustcarts.
"It is only a matter of time before there is a serious event.
"As most household have two cars the 30 flats would need 60 spaces where only 25 are proposed.
"That's 35 extra to park in the already overcrowded roads.
"A balance has to be made between the need for affordable homes and the problems created by lack of parking."
The plans were submitted by Mr Bedri Dedushi.
"It is only a matter of time before there is a serious event," - Phil Crowder
A statement supporting the plans said: "These units consist of one and two person units, all completely self-contained with individual entrances to a hallway, shower room, bedroom with storage and lounge kitchen area.
"There will be two main pedestrian access points of off the High Street with vehicle access to the ground floor parking from Invicta Road.
"We believe that the site is wholly sustainable because of its position on the High Street where there is a large array of community facilities, shops and open spaces also public transport."
The application also revealed the service station cannot compete with supermarkets selling fuel at cheaper prices.
The proposals have been submitted to Swale council.
To view the plans yourself visit https://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search reference 18/504269/OUT
Read more
Isle of SheppeyMore by this author
Ellis Stephenson