Public to be consulted on Ely Cathedral car parking plans (South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats <info@secambslibdems.org.uk>

Public to be consulted on Ely Cathedral car parking plans

June 16, 2006 5:57 PM

East Cambs councillors protest against Conservative plans to build a car park on Ely's historic green space

East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats have praised the decision of the Environment and Transport Committee to consult the public on controversial Conservative plans to build a car park on an area of ancient green space adjacent to Ely Cathedral.

Cllr Ian Allen, who was forced to take the Chair of the Committee after the Conservatives refused, said "We believe that it is wrong to destroy green space in the centre of Ely for a car park. We want to ensure that the public consultation on the plans is as wide as possible, including stakeholders who would have to be consulted in any planning application. We believe that the consultation will show that the public are overwhelmingly against ripping up green space in this beautiful area and will finally defeat the Conservative plans."

Councillor Nigel Bell said "The station is where the car park should be, with a shuttle bus connecting the site to the shopping centre, not on historic land. The Conservatives are even suggesting that if the extension to Broad Street goes ahead, it could be reversed at a later stage. We all know that is ridiculous. Once lost, it will be gone forever."

The plans have also been criticised as funding for the scheme will come from the closure of the Cresswells car park, meaning that there will actually be fewer car parking spaces available.

You can sign the petition against the plans at http://www.elylibdems.org.uk or email the District Council at parking@eastcambs.gov.uk to let them know your views.