ALTAIR developers have come under fire over their car parking provision for the scheme.

The development is earmarked for the Oakfield Road site that is currently a 250-space car park.

But the complex would have a 200-space basement car park but none of these would be public spaces. There would be 150 spaces for for residents while a further 50 spaces would be for visitors, staff and the retail and commercial units.

Sarah Walmsley, a resident on neighbouring Oakfield Road, hit out at the parking plan.

She said: "They are now asking for consent to build on hundreds of public parking spaces and to replace none of them. The only parking they will provide - 200 spaces - will be for their own residents and employees of the new businesses on site. Not a single public parking space.

"It’s an outrage and will cripple the town."

She added: "None of the other car parks have been expanded so the need is as great as ever for town centre workers, shoppers, commuters, ice rink and leisure centre users."

The chairman of the design panel for the Altrincham Neighbourhood Business Plan (ANBP), Damian Utton, said the loss of public car parking spaces is an issue.

He said: "The team from Nikal have presented their proposals for Altair phase one and two to the design panel with productive and constructive discussions ensuing."

He added: "The design panel and the ANBP submission document calls for Trafford Council to develop and adopt an integrated car parking strategy across Altrincham Town Centre.

"This reserved matters planning application for Altair Phase Two highlights the importance and urgency of such a strategy."

Nick Payne, the MD of Altair developer Nikal, defended the parking provision.

He said: “Outline planning permission for Altair was granted in 2014. The reserved matters application is fully in accordance with this and provides the planners with more detailed information, such as the aesthetic of the buildings, materials and the public realm proposals.

“This phase of Altair will provide 200 spaces in a modern, secure underground car park with parking for disabled drivers and excellent accessibility. These spaces will be shared between residents and customers of the development, including the ice rink. A further planning application will be lodged for the leisure centre and associated car parking in due course.

“At the moment, the car park is predominantly used by commuters who are leaving the town centre to travel elsewhere. Network Rail has agreed to significantly increase the capacity of its parking to provide additional spaces for these users.

“Our focus is on providing parking for those coming into Altrincham who intend to support local businesses and keep the town centre thriving.”

The deadline for comments on the scheme is February 27. The application is at trafford.gov.uk/online-applications/