A HOSPITAL trust is set to be given permission to allow staff to use a temporary car park.

A row broke out over car parking spaces at Colchester Hospital after it was revealed more than 100 staff car parking spaces were to be given over to patients using the new urgent treatment centre.

The centre replaced the walk-in centre at neighbouring North Colchester Healthcare Centre.

However, it created anger among staff who said their unsocial work hours meant it was impossible to get to work without driving.

Employee parking is already under strain with only about 1,000 designated places for 3,000 staff.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Colchester Hospital, said 70 spaces would be created at Mill Road surgery.

But it was then revealed the hospital did not have planning permission to use the site.

An application was subsequently submitted to Colchester Council.

The plans are temporary until January 1 and the car park will only be used between 7am and 7pm on weekdays and 7am and 2pm on Saturdays.

Colchester Council’s planning committee will rule on the applciation after it was “called in”.

Planning officers have recommended the bid is approved despite objections over the possible impact it would have on residents living nearby.

The plans were called in by Mile End councillor Martin Goss, who also objected to the plans saying a longer term solutions was needed.

However, planning officers are recommending the car park be approved as it is only on a temporary basis until January 1.

  • Martin Goss (Lib Dem) is standing in the General Election on December 12. The other candidates are Mark Goacher (Green), Tina McKay (Lab) and Will Quince (Con).