PLANS are in hand to turn a parcel of land at North Shore, Whitehaven over to car parking with a 180-vehicle capacity.

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners is currently in legal negotiations to acquire the 1.5 acre strip of land, located near the Boatyard, and hopes that, once they are complete, to move forward with a planning application later in the year.

The rough piece of ground has been used by some drivers on an unauthorised basis for some time. The aim is to re-surface it and make it available to parkers, mainly permit holders, though there will be some short-stay, pay and display spaces available too.

If a sale can be concluded, the area will be fenced off, planning approval sought and tenders for the work invited.

The Harbour Commissioners would hope to have the car park ready for use by next summer.

In the interim, 30 places at the Commissioners’ parking area at the Wellington Inn site, South Shore, are being offered at a discounted rate of £500 a year for a seven-day permit (payable monthly/quarterly).

Those interested should call 01946 590515.