PARKING chaos at Warrington Hospital will be eased after plans were approved – despite fears over the move putting the lives of residents 'in jeopardy'.

Blueprints for the new 58-space off-site staff car park, on Wellfield Street, in Whitecross were passed at the development control committee on Wednesday.

Bosses at Warrington Hospital, which can currently accommodate 1,628 cars, are confident the five-year temporary permission will improve the experience of patients and visitors by opening up space.

Cllr Steve Parish (LAB – Bewsey and Whitecross) put forward his concerns to the committee at the Town Hall.

He said: "I am asking the committee to turn it down on traffic grounds. At a time when we need housing it seems a shame a site like this could be given away for parking."

Committee deputy chairman Cllr Jeff Richards (LAB – Bewsey and Whitecross), who stepped away from his seat on the panel for the application, said there had been 'no signage' in place alerting residents to the project.

He added: "I have lived around there all my life. There are traffic issues and fears over accidents around Lexden Street.

"We have the community centre there, which is busy, and the scout hut next to the site. The whole thing is an accident waiting to happen."

But George Cresswell, associate director of facilities at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, feels the approval will 'seriously improve' the current arrangements.

He said: "The reason for this is related to complaints from patients who can't find space.

"We have contacted a lot of supermarkets to see if we can share some parking but have not been able to get anywhere with that."

Cllr David Keane (LAB – Penketh and Cuerdley) highlighted the suggestion many residents were 'unaware' of the plans and as a result said he felt 'uneasy making a decision'.

And Latchford West Labour councillor Les Morgan admitted he is not 'totally convinced' the hospital will stop using the site after five years.

He added: "I am not prepared to put my head on the block and put the lives of residents in jeopardy."

Moments before the decision was made Cllr Bob Barr (LD – Lymm) told members the problem 'must be solved'.

He added: "The wellbeing of patients, in my mind, comes first."

The application was approved, with use of the site, which will have a barrier in place, restricted from 7am to 7pm from Monday to Friday.

Five councillors voted for, two against and one abstained.