Protest over ‘parking chaos’ near new flats

8:30am Friday 19th September 2008

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Angry residents are complaining about a lack of parking after new flats were built in Borehamwood.

Mick Murphy, of Balmoral Drive, and many of his neighbours, have highlighted the problem after housing association William Sutton Homes finished building the flats in Tempsford Avenue.

Mr Murphy said: “When we brought up the issue of parking at a meeting [with the housing association] last year we felt we were rail-roaded.

“Residents are angry as there are going to be a lot more people living here with the new development, so there will be pandemonium.

“We have not been notified as to what will be happening. We need to be able to park near our houses. Apart from being inconvenient, parking further away is a security issue.”

Councillor Pat Strack, Kenilworth ward member, has been supporting residents and helped organise last year’s meeting between them and the housing association at Hertsmere Borough Council. She said: “The issue was raised that we wanted provision for parking after complaints from residents in Balmoral Drive.

“At the meeting there were a number of officers that took away details about the problems raised. This should be considered again by them now the building has been completed.”

Conrad Smith, regional manager for William Sutton Homes, said he was aware there was a lack of off-road parking.

He added: “We have developed a parking strategy to try and ease problems for residents. A total of 28 parking spaces have been provided for the 20 new-build properties.

“We will be contacting the residents of the new properties to confirm whether they need a parking bay and will then request applications of interest from the residents at Tempsford and Balmoral for parking bays within the new development “We can confirm the scheme was approved by the local planning authority following careful consultation with the highways department.”