"Urgent" Meeting Over Controversial Simeon Rec Car Park Plans

Friday, 23 July 2021 13:34

By Oliver Dyer @olidyer

It's Friday (23), and despite council promises, Ryde's Simeon Recreation Ground remains vehicle free — so what's the hold-up?

Up to 200 vehicles were set to be allowed to temporarily park there from today, while long-running sewage repairs in Appley continue.

Despite pay and display signs being lined out ready to go, it's been revealed the council doesn't yet have permission to turn the land into a car park.

Simeon Rec is owned by the Isle of Wight Council, but protected by Fields in Trust. As it's a green space, when a change of use is required, trustees have to approve it.

The council has submitted an application, and following a 'high number' of calls from concerned residents, a "special" meeting has been called by the trust to decide what to do.

A spokesperson for the trust, which protects 2,882 parks and green spaces across the UK, said:

"The landowner has applied for consent for a temporary change of use for part of the protected space. Our Trustee Board will consider this request from the landowner and, given the urgency of the situation, a special meeting of The Fields in Trust Land and Planning Committee will be convened outside our regular meeting schedule.

"We are receiving a high volume of public enquiries from residents concerned about the loss of space – but we have also had communication accepting that a temporary change provides a solution the challenging problem of sufficient parking during the busy summer period. Our Trustees will evaluate the application as soon as possible".

The plans, put forward by the local authority and Southern Water earlier this month, have provoked controversy among residents.

Some have said they're "astonished" by proposals, with concerns being raised about flooding and 'unsuitable' access to the site.

Signs have already been erected on the flood defence walls. Those hoping to park will have to pay £5 for five hours or £10 for five to 10 hours.

The Isle of Wight Council has not yet issued a statement, but says it hopes to be in a position to comment shortly.

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"Urgent" Meeting Over Controversial Simeon Rec Car Park Plans

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