MORE than 500 people have joined an online campaign against a new housing development set to be built on a Uttoxeter car park.
Businesswoman Michelle Ritchie set up the group on social networking site Facebook calling for developer Taylor Wimpey to halt its plans to put up 14 houses on The Maltings car park off Church Street.
The area has been fenced off for the development called The Stables and residents have been further angered by the fencing off of an area of the car park, including three disabled spaces, nearer High Street for a showroom office for the developer.
However, Uttoxeter Mayor and ESBC councillor David Brookes said the plans were approved with public support.
He said: “As chairman of the planning committee I can not do anything to stop something that has been given planning permission.
“I would not want to as this was given full public support at the time.
“When the council resurfaced the car park, the section part-owned by Taylor Wimpey was only top dressed to keep the car park of the same standard.
“The housing development is part of a wider regeneration for the town and the Carter Square car park was developed to make up for the loss of spaces.
“At the time, the public thought it was a good idea to improve safety and bring life into the town centre.”
A petition against the plans can be found at the Uttoxeter branch of the Royal British Legion, at Bradley House, and at the Ruby Chinese takeaway in High Street.
