THE council has lost thousands of pounds since hiking up parking charges by 150 per cent at Highams Park station car park.

The authority made £958.80 in March this year in revenue from the car park, which compares to £2,341.10 in March 2007, when the increases were introduced – a loss of £1382.30.

The figures were supplied by Cllr Bob Belam, environment cabinet member, in answer to a written question by Cllr Alan Siggers, who wanted to know if the income from the car park has been reduced since the charges were increased in March 2007.

He will ask the question at a full council meeting tomorrow (Thursday).

Blackmore Building Services (BSS) have recently resubmitted plans to build flats on the under-used car park in Larkshall Road.

BSS want to demolish two buildings on the land and build 56 homes on the site as well as offices, shops and parking.

The scheme proposed 47 flats within three and four storey blocks and nine two and three storey homes.

The Brentwood-based building company withdrew from a previous plan to build 60 flats, a doctors surgery, and a medical centre on the site.