PART of an old bus depot is set to be turned into a temporary car park.

Total Car Parks Ltd has applied to Colchester Council to turn land at the former bus depot in Magdalen Street into a car park for 35 cars.

The application is due to be discussed at the council's planning committee meeting on Thursday, because there have been objections.

The proposal is to use the site as a temporary car park for long stay commuter parking, and will be open for 24 hours a day.

There is long term plans to turn the whole site into five blocks of student accommodation, and these plans are still in the pipeline.

An environmental protection officer had concerns over the car park plans.

They said in a report: "It is noted Magdalen Street is very busy and ambient noise levels from the front of the site are likely to be high.

"Considering the application is for temporary use only and has a small number of spaces it should be OK.

"If open at night we would recommend some kind of barrier system so the car park can only be accessed by those paying to park and that any lighting is directed or screened so as not to cause a nuisance to residential properties.”

Colchester Civic Society has objected, saying the additional traffic movements will result in congestion in this part of Colchester, particularly as it is close to the Aldi supermarket.

Other suggestions for the site included a shelter for homeless people.

The estates manager for Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd added: "The council is in discussion with the operator on the basis of a short term lease

for the area covered under this planning permission.

"This application does not affect the longer term redevelopment proposals

for the site.

"The car park operator will undertake works to the site to make it fit for purpose.

"The site is currently patrolled by security guards to try and minimise intruders and antisocial behaviour. It is anticipated the presence of the temporary car park on site will help to deter intruders and antisocial behaviour.”

The operator will be offering online, pay by mobile payment options, in addition to the use of a pay and display machine.