Residents and businesses in Sonora Fields have been left fuming after space for parking was bought up from under their feet.

Ahead of the new The Meads Medical Practice opening up in Quartz Way, the builder behind the development, Marshgate Developments, has painted double yellow lines across the road in front of the centre and installed a number of limited time parking bays round the back.

It is the first time any such restrictions have existed.

The GP surgery, formally known as The Saffron Way Health Centre before it moved, will soon cater for thousands of patients.

But people living and working in the area are angry that they can no longer park there because of the restrictions.

Sonora Fields Neighbourhood Watch member Dennis Fisher, who lives on Galena Close, said: “The parking restrictions are 24/7 even though the doctor’s surgery is only open from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

“I don’t think it should have been allowed – [the developer] buying the road.

"It makes it difficult for those living there and working in the shops.”

A petition has now been launched by the area’s neighbourhood watch team, which is set to be delivered to Clifford Hampton, head of Marshgate Developments.

The petition says that Quartz Way shops are already losing money as customers stay away because they cannot park there.

It also appeals for Marshgate Developments to have the yellow lines removed, the ambulance bay signposted to allow vehicles to unload in the layby for shop deliveries, and the parking restriction hours to be relaxed.

The opening of the health centre, due this Friday , has been hit by a number of delays.

It was initially set to open in January but was held up after legal paperwork was not completed in time.

Officials from Marshgate Developments could not be reached for comment.