THE Isle of Wight Council has scrapped controversial plans for temporary parking at Simeon Street Recreation Ground, following feedback from the local community.

An application to Fields in Trust to use part of the ground as a temporary car park during August has been withdrawn, the council has confirmed.

Ryde residents had been worried the new temporary car park, which was due to open this Friday, could lead to flash flooding among other concerns.

Following the collapse of a sewer on Appley seafront, and a subsequent sinkhole, up to 200 vehicles were set to be allowed to temporarily park on the ground.

While owned by the council, the recreation ground is protected by Fields in Trust, meaning trustees must approve any change of use.

A special meeting had been scheduled to discuss the application, outside the trust's regular meeting schedule.

The authority says it now plans to utilise existing car parks in Quay Road and St Thomas's Street, with new signage in the area to direct visitors to these spaces.

With the Appley long-stay car park unavailable due to the ongoing Southern Water works, Cllr Phil Jordan, cabinet lead for transport, said it was vital the council found alternative provision to support the local economy.

He said: "This summer season could be a lifeline to many of our local businesses left devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, it was vital that we looked to put measures in place to support the economic boost they so desperately need.

"Our original plan was to use a partial area of Simeon Street Recreation Ground for temporary off-road parking, close to local amenities and the beach, during the peak season.

"This was to replace the lost spaces at the very popular Appley car park for a very short period over the summer holidays.

"However, we are a listening council and it became clear local residents wanted us to explore other options. We have listened and we have acted swiftly to accommodate their views.

"Having carefully considered the limited options available to us, we have decided to utilise our existing car parks which, while a little further away, do have some of the capacity to accommodate the increase in visitor numbers we hope to see over the summer holidays."