A parking crisis in Bishop's Waltham over a lack of parking spaces is soon to be resolved. 

Bishops Waltham Parish Council have had plans approved to provide additional car park spaces in Bishops Waltham after concerns were raised by residents about the shortage of car parking spaces.

Under the plans, the Jubilee Hall car park on Little Shore Lane in the town would become a public car park with 120 spaces.

One resident, Alexander Rhodes who lives in the town, said at times: ‘’the town’s car parking can be a major problem at the moment as there isn’t just enough spaces to cover demand especially on Saturdays and Market Days. 

"The new spaces should reduce congestion in the town and make the town more accessible.” 

With a population of around 6,500, the Hampshire town is unique due it’s plethora of large independent business which a key attractor for visitors to the Hampshire town. 

The proposal would see the car park at Jubilee Hall managed by Winchester City Council who will offer two hours free parking offered following a request from the parish council after the original proposals by Winchester CC for one hours free parking were rejected by the parish councillors. 

The project is expected to cost in the region of £260,000 with £100,000 expected to come from Winchester City Council after agreeing to double their original contribution however there is still a significant amount that needs to be found, according to parish council leaders.

A spokesperson from Bishops Waltham Parish Council said: "We continue to have a car parking shortage in Bishops Waltham with is driving away trade for the town but we hope that these new spaces at Jubilee Hall will help to elevate the issue.

“A recent public consultation on an approximate 4% council tax increase to the Parish Precept to pay the interest on a government loan has been rejected 60/40”.

“The parish council is continuing to look at other options available for this finance and is determined to solve the car parking shortage which the parishioners have identified over the last four years as the most important single problem in the parish”. 

The extended car park at Jubilee Hall will add to the existing car parks, both operated by Winchester City Council in the town on Lower Lane which has 63 spaces which charges a maximum of 80p a day to park and Basingwell Street which has 96 spaces charges up to £1.50 a day to park.