THE continuing success one of the Tees Valley's premier tourist attractions has led to plans for a new £800,000 car park.

Visitor numbers at Preston Hall and Park at Eaglescliffe have soared since a £7m refurbishment in 2012 and now about 600,000 people visit the park and between 100,000 to 150,000 visit the museum each year, up from 80,000.

The increased numbers along with a comprehensive event programme, a new £250,000 skatepark and new boating activities mean the free car park has not been able to cope in the summer months.

The plan for a new car park will be put before councillors on Stockton Borough Council's planning committee next week and an agenda report has revealed the council has had to deal with an increased number of complaints about parking.

The report said: "The existing car park and overflow space within the southern field are unable to cope with the demands of high numbers of vehicles during regular park opening hours, particularly during the school summer holidays. And the problem is exacerbated during events in the park.

“The council has received numerous complaints from local residents and the police regarding the current access and car park provision and now seek to alleviate these problems by formalising car parking.”

The £800,000 investment from Stockton Council will include:

• Improvements to the car parking area in the southern field

• Improvements to the Northern Field, to upgrade the existing surface for car parking during events in the park

• Improved surface and connection between the northern field and main gate to allow better circulation

However there has been some opposition to the plans based on environmental and traffic concerns.

Preston Parish Council has objected, stating: "This council is concerned that any hardening of the grassed surfaces of the park will lead to an increased amount of water lying around the trees on the Yarm Road boundary of the park.

"There has already been a greater incidence of flooding in the woodland since the last drainage work and this has led to the death of several of the mature lime trees and the necessity of their removal.

"We would urge a great deal of caution lest you endanger further what is a great asset to the 'jewel in the crown' of Stockton."

Nearby residents have also objected, and one argued that the car park will attract unsocial behaviour like joy-riding.

The planning application will be discussed by the planning committee on Wednesday, February 4 at 1.30pm.