Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth set for new four-storey car park

City councillors unanimously approved proposals for the multi-storey structure that will be built on the northern side of the existing north car park, during a planning meeting yesterday.

The car park will provide a total of 541 car parking spaces and six motorcycle spaces. And it will connect to a new 72-bed ward which is currently being built on the south side of the car park - by a link bridge at first floor level.

One representation was made against the plans from a resident of neighbouring Peterborough Road with concerns of light pollution and loss of privacy.

However, council officers confirmed the structure will use motion sensor lights and have cladding along its western side to reduce this.

Speaking at the virtual meeting Councillor Matt Atkins said: 'Its re-development strategy overall is really good, I think it's fantastic we're seeing these expansions and improvements. And I do think the car park is an essential element of it.'

SEE ALSO: New £58m A&E planned for QA Hospital

As reported, the car park will complement the new 72-bed ward as well as plans for a new £58m emergency department at the hospital.

Currently there are 801 public parking spaces and 1,411 staff car parking spaces across the site.

On completion of the three developments the numbers of parking spaces are set to reduce by 98 - equivalent to an increase of 247 public spaces, and a decrease of 345 staff spaces.

This is set to be mitigated by use of the hospital's nearby Fort Southwick park and ride.

The council's transport boss, Cllr Lynne Stagg, added: 'We are working with two bus companies to develop a demand responsive service that should help with a lot of staff working at the hospital.

'It will work like a taxi service with an app to request a bus - that will help with people on early and late shifts.'

The committee approved the plans on the conditions that no work can start until a planting scheme is put forward to the council, and that if any trees on site die or are diseased within five years they have to be replaced.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, with 70 per cent fewer adverts for less than 20p a day.