PROPOSALS to create a car park on the site of Trinity House School could face a major obstacle.
The historic charitable trust that owns the city centre site has submitted a planning application seeking approval for a car park following the school's demolition, once it moves to a refurbished site in George Street.
Earmarked for the school's current courtyard, the proposed short-stay car park would be aimed at shoppers in the Whitefriargate area.
But it has now emerged that city councillors are considering separate proposals to pedestrianise Princes Dock Street, which is the car park's only exit route in the current Trinity House plans.
Councillor Colin Inglis, who represents the area, said the move was aimed at improving pedestrian safety in an area where there are several popular cafés.
He said: "The idea is to have much better pedestrian access to the whole dockside area.
"At the moment, there is a conflict between pedestrians and vehicles, which still use the street."
If it is agreed, the street would be made pedestrian-only between the top of Whitefriargate and Posterngate during the day, when the cafés are open.
Cllr Inglis said: "There is also a vehicle-turning point, which breaks up access to the dockside.
"We want to see people being able to walk down the length of the dockside without having to dodge cars all the time."
He said consultation with businesses in the area had already taken place with most backing the idea.
"We are just waiting for the draft traffic regulation order to be drawn up before going to committee for consideration for approval or not," said Cllr Inglis.
The planning application by Trinity House maps out a 65-space car park in the school courtyard once a number of existing surrounding buildings are demolished.
It suggests the car park entrance should be via Posterngate.
It says: "The car park would be a designated shoppers' car park, with a maximum stay of two hours. This would hopefully attract more footfall and shoppers to Whitefriargate and the Old Town area."
In a statement, the council said: "The proposal will not stop Trinity House turning the courtyard into a car park, as they have alternative access.
"Ward councillors were made aware of the scheme earlier this week and are fully supportive.
"The next steps are to finalise the details before we advertise the changes on the public highway.
"When we advertise the traffic order there will be a period for people to make objections.
"If objections are received, we will then have to take a report to the area committee with options and solutions."
