A new steel structure that has appeared during the development of a multi-storey car park at Tonbridge train station has been labelled 'awful'.

Additional spaces are being created on one side of the car park which is designated for rail season pass holders, however, the construction is being branded an eyesore.

Southeastern is commissioning the work which will cost a total of £2.6 million. It is expected to continue into the new year.

Several residents and passers-by have taken to social media to express their opinions about the new installation.

Simon Kempthorne tweeted: "Have you ever seen a nice looking car park? Always knew it would be an eye-sore. I really don't even know why they are building it in the first place."

A spokesperson for Southeastern said: “The car-park is being developed on top of existing spaces as there is quite a large back log of season-ticket holders waiting for parking availability.

“There simply isn’t enough at the moment, so it a necessity for customers. We looked at all available options and decided this was the best.”

Other residents have raised concerns about how the structure will be disguised or even hidden by Southeastern.

“We don’t currently have any plans in place to cover the outside of the structure. We don’t want it to look horrible and be an eye-sore, but at this moment in time the design does not include any covering,” the spokesperson added.

One side of the station’s car park is currently designated for season ticket holders, the other is pay-and-display. This development will bring an extra 182 spaces.

Work is expected to be completed by January.

A spokesperson for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said: “The erection of the multi-storey car-park at Tonbridge Station is something that can take place without the Council’s approval being needed under powers granted by Parliament.

“While Council officers have offered to give advice in an endeavour to improve the external appearance of the structure, the operator is under no obligation to accept any such advice or redesign the structure.”

A similar development is taking place at Orpington train station, with additional spaces being added to the current car-park.

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