Residents object to new Scarborough car park proposal

​Almost a dozen objections have been made against a proposal by ​National Car Parks Ltd to turn former hotel parking into a public car park for up to three years in Scarborough’s North Bay.

​The site, at 143 – 147, North Marine Road, would have capacity for 21 cars.

​One neighbour, Wayne Thompson, said: “As the owner of one of the adjoining properties, I must object to the proposal on multiple grounds.

​“It does not bring any opportunities or support to the local area or economy. It also seems to actively avoid mentioning the building associated with the site, which has been derelict for a very long time, with no plans being submitted by the current owner regarding any short-term or long-term plans for the site.”

​The planning application states the car park would be temporary while the landowners consider the building’s future.

​The applicant said that vehicles would enter and leave the site over the course of a day “as they would do currently, and as there are no material changes to the site, there is no visual impact on the street scene”.

​​“The site has always been considered acceptable for the parking of cars,” the applicant added.

​However, resident Roger Jones said that “consenting to this application is incompatible with the area’s conservation status and the planning conditions which the council rightly imposes on property owners to maintain the integrity of the conservation area.”

​The applicant said the change of use of the site would be “less harmful” than if it were used for development.

​​“Operating as a public car park will provide opportunities to help support the local economy,” the application concludes,” they added.

​Kenneth Fixter also submitted an objection “on behalf of all the residents and property owners in the apartment block 149, North Marine Road and 149, Queens Parade”.

​Mr Fixter said: “There is no need for another commercially operated public car park in this area. All the buildings in Queens Parade have their own car parking in keeping with their intended purpose.”

​He added: “The massive, brightly coloured advertising and charges information signs erected in May 2025 are totally inappropriate for the site.

“They are incompatible with the nature of the conservation area and significantly detract from the ambience of the area for its residents.”

​However, the Highway Authority has not objected, stating that “no changes are proposed to the junction with the highway”.

​It has recommended conditions if the scheme is approved and noted that “there are no dedicated disabled bays. Inclusive mobility states car parks should be 2 per cent of the total car park capacity, with a minimum of one space”.

​North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the proposal which is currently open to representations.