Pollution concerns over new car park at Essex University (From Gazette)

Pollution concerns over new car park at Essex University

6:00pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in Local News By Andrea Collitt

Artist’s impression of the proposed shrub-covered car park

PLANS for a multi-storey car park at Essex University’s Wivenhoe campus have been criticised.

Despite proposals for the four-storey car park to include a wall of shrubbery, objections have been made on the grounds it will add to pollution.

The university wants to build it on an existing car park between its sports centre and Boundary Road.

It would provide an extra 359 spaces, bringing the total number on campus to 1,859.

Jo Wheatley, of Meredith Close, Wivenhoe, said: “Creating yet more parking at the university will simply delay dealing with the problem of excessive private vehicle use and it will support an increase in carbon emissions.

“It will increase localised pollution with its consequent health impacts.”

Christopher Blomeley, of Station Road, Wivenhoe, said: “Essex University should be leading the way in promoting and creating genuinely sustainable, innovative, forward-thinking transport solutions that facilitate a move away from car use, rather than enabling and encouraging additional car use.”

Jon Manning, borough councillor for Wivenhoe Cross, has called in the application for discussion, on behalf of residents.

The university says, despite its efforts to discourage drivers, the car park is necessary because of its growth over the years.

The plans, submitted to Colchester Council, would see an access to the existing car park created from Boundary Road.

A new taxi drop off/pick-up point to serve the South Towers and South Courts student accommodation is also proposed.

The university says it needs the car park to attract the highest quality students and teaching staff.

It says 6,000 students who live off campus and more than 2,250 staff and visitors use campus facilities.

A spokesman said: “The new parking spaces will reduce the environmental damage caused by cars being parked on verges and in overspill areas.

“We are committed to promoting sustainable transport options.

“In the past year we have received Silver Award Accreditation from Essex County Council for our travel plan and won the Newsquest Colchester District Business Award 2011 for Active and Sustainable Travel.

The proposals form part of plans to invest more than £200million in improvements at its Wivenhoe, Southend and Loughton campuses.

Colchester Council is due to make a decision by April 24.