CARADON Council planning west was last night being recommended by officers to give approval for its own planning proposal to create 19 parking spaces at Trewithan House in Greenbank Lane, Liskeard. Once the area health office, the building, just down the road from Caradon's headquarters at Luxstowe, is now home to the council's housing management and maintenance department. The plan, including a new access from the existing parking area, is not supported by the town council. They have objected on grounds of access concerns, and during their debate over the application raised the issue of free staff parking for Caradon employees generally, the use of the town's pay and display car parks, and issues of sustainable travel. Cllr Tony Powell said he could not support the provision of more free car parking for Caradon workers. He said that in view of Caradon's proposed 'inflation busting' car parking increases across the district, the council should display a sense of leadership and morality and look to treat their employees in the same way as they seem prepared to treat the rest of the district. The Community Strategy Transport Action Group says it has severe doubts about the proposal, not setting a good example to others, and increased use of poor access. The County Surveyor's opinion is awaited. The parking spaces are proposed to be provided on the lawned area in front of the Victorian building for visitors and staff. There would be a new widened access track down to the lower garden area. The plan states that this would be a temporary proposal and that the land could be returned to its original condition on the council leaving the premises. Officers have also expressed concern about the message this proposal sends out, as it has a Green Travel Plan which promotes the practise of car sharing. However, it is noted there are additional staff that have been taken on in the various service areas of the council which have led to capacity issues in Luxstowe car park and the overflow car park adjoining the school. In recommending the plan, subject to the views of the county surveyor, officers said the issue of increasing the overall use of the access into the site which is not ideal, is a point they have recognised but that it is hard to argue an adverse impact on the Conservation Area when the parking would be contained within the high walls of the building. It is not considered, therefore, that there are specific policy reasons why the proposal can be refused
