The Road Service's plan to sell off a Fivemiletown car park will produce a need for more parking spaces in the area, a local MLA has warned.

Proposals have been put forward for seven new two-storey housing association houses on the site of Edfield Way public car park, currently owned by DRD.

UUP Assemblyman Tom Elliott said he did not oppose plans for additional housing, but suggested the town already suffers from restricted parking.

He said: "The loss of any amount of car parking spaces will have a serious effect on local businesses and residents who work and live in the town.

"Suitably located, attractive and convenient car parking is essential for viability of businesses and to improve safety on streets and meet needs of people with disabilities."

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The MLA has lodged an objection to the development with the Planning Service, on behalf of local residents.

Mr Elliott has queried the process of disposal of the site and claimed there had been a lack of public consultation.

A spokesperson for the Roads Service said: "This land was declared surplus to requirements by Roads Service western division and forwarded to Roads Service HQ for disposal in accordance with DFP's, Land and Property Service Guidelines for Disposal of Surplus Public Sector Property.

"Roads Service can confirm sale of land is following due process. Roads Service, assesses utilisation of off street car parks four times a year.

"It was decided as Edfield Way car park is under-utilised, a portion could be declared surplus," the official added.

He said the proposal retains a 50-vehicle parking capacity. Maximum utilisation in March was 31 vehicles.

A Planning Service spokesman said the reduction of existing public car parking would be a "material planning consideration" in the determination of the planning application.

(PR/JM)