PLANS for a temporary car park close to a building site have been welcomed by residents.

Housing developers Keepmoat Regeneration have acquired the former Newbridge Service Station, next to the A167 Newcastle Road in Neville’s Cross, which it wants to use for site facilities and parking for contractors.

The company has started construction work on the site of the former Berendsen Laundry, which is opposite, where it plans to build accommodation with 274 student beds.

It follows complaints from residents in the area about another nearby student development – at Sheraton Park – where a lack of parking for contractors has led to them parking on verges and pavements at the side of the busy A167.

A number of letters of support have already been sent to Durham County Council, praising the application as an effective solution to the problem of builders’ cars.

County Councillor Liz Brown said: “This has been organised in response to the terrible problems at Sheraton Park.

“The residents have welcomed it for the most part. I’m sure there will be one or two teething problems.

“I hope it’s the answer and we’re very very grateful.”

Keepmoat Regeneration has secured the land, which has been derelict for around 25 years, on a short term lease from company Projects for Life Limited

The company says there is no space for parking on the building site, due to its size.

A statement adds: “Due to the close proximity of the developments site to Neville’s Cross junction which is one of the busiest junctions in Durham it was agreed that we, as a responsible main contractor must do everything within our power to minimise the impact upon the existing transport structure and local community.

“During our correspondence with some of the local residents and local authority it was highlighted that following the construction of another new development near to Neville’s Cross many of the local residents had raised concerns with regards to the parking arrangements as site operatives have been parking along the grass verges of Darlington Road (A167) which is both unsightly and causes major disruptions to the flow of traffic especially in rush hour periods.”

The compound would operate between 7.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

There would be no right turns into and out of the site to prevent extra traffic building up at the crossroads.