PROPOSALS for a new car park at Haslemere hospital took a step forward this week, as Surrey Primary Care Trust (PCT) submitted a planning application to Waverley Borough Council.

The PCT announced its intention to submit a plan in May this year, and confirmed an official application for 34 new car parking spaces has now been submitted.

With entry from Beech Road, through an existing footpath, the new car park will give relief to current Church Road congestion caused by insufficient parking facilities on-site.

A spokesman for the PCT said: "The new car park will have a controlled entry system, restricting its use to hospital staff only.

"This will limit vehicle movement and reduce the impact on the neighbouring GP clinic and surrounding properties."

The League of Friends of Haslemere Hospital welcomed the news, having part-funded the PCT's preliminary work.

Dr Nicky Lee, League of Friends chairman, said: "We are delighted by the news, which is excellent for patients and visitors to the hospital, as well as staff, because the new parking will free up spaces for hospital users of which there are a large number from a wide area every day."

However, the layout of a new car park will be restricted by existing trees on the site, and proposals to fell a mature horse chestnut will be central to the application's success.

The PCT does, however, propose to plant hedges to screen neighbouring houses, and local residents have been almost unanimously supportive of the plans.

Andrew Lee, of Weydown Road, said: "I think this is an excellent proposal. Church Lane is very dangerous with parked cars from the hospital and I could never find a space when I went to visit my father in hospital."

Roger Brading, of Crossways Road, Grayshott, added: "I am a volunteer driver and frequently bring clients to Haslemere hospital. Very often I am unable to find a parking space while I wait for my client to attend their appointment. Public transport is almost non-existent."

On the environmental issue, Mrs SG Bradley, of Jobsons Lane, said: "Trees are replaceable, numerous, tall, and take away light.

"One old horse chestnut should not be reason why an application should be refused, when hedges are sufficient to screen in this circumstance."

Judith Hamilton, of Weydown Road, said: "I believe it is essential that visitors and especially patients should be able to park with ease when they attend the hospital. Improved parking facilities are, therefore, vital and I wholeheartedly support this proposal."

The League of Friends said between £40,000 to £50,000 of the car park's cost would be provided by developers contributions from the former ambulance site on Grayswood Road.

Dr Lee added: "The League of Friends is ready to campaign to help to raise further funds for the project."

Anyone wishing to support the proposal can write to: the Treasurer, League of Friends, c/o Haslemere Hospital, Church Lane, Haslemere.