Fury as hospital car parks for staff on way

The creation of two temporary car parks for nurses at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital as part of its £400 million transformation today took a step closer to reality – despite protests from angry neighbours.

Dozens of people flocked to public meetings to oppose the plans to transform open space at the hospital into car parks. But planning bosses have now been told to approve them, as it emerged they could stay in place for 10 years while the hospital development takes shape.

Almost 50 residents living near the hospital have signed a petition against the plans and 10 more have written letters of objection amid fears the car parks would create a noise nuisance and disturbance outside their homes and change the landscape.

They have also been left angry because the hospital has already chopped down four mature trees in anticipation of getting approval for the move from Wolverhampton City Council.

It wants to create the car parks at the north end of the site, near The Ashes flats, as a temporary solution to help free up 86 spaces in the main 1,800-bay car park. They will be open for staff from 7.30am to 6.30pm.

Many residents living by the hospital have complained about staff and visitors parking in residential streets.

In the long-term, bosses plan to create 872 new spaces on the main site as part of the hospital's £400 million redevelopment.

In a report to members of the council's planning committee, who will be making a decision on the plans, it states: "By restricting the hours of use it is considered that this would avoid undue noise and disturbance to residents at unsuitable hours."