A SCHEME to convert a property into self-contained flats in busy Bitton Park Road, Teignmouth, has been scuppered by a lack of parking.

An appeal against refusal of planning permission to replace bed-sits with flats at number 78, has been dismissed by an inspector.

In his report, the inspector, Douglas Machin, stated that the flat occupiers were much more likely to be car owners than the bed-sit tenants.

'On-street parking outside is very restricted, with a small section available for parking.

'However, the volume and speed of the traffic on the A379 makes manoeuvring into and out of this section difficult, as I experienced.

'In addition, the surrounding streets are quite heavily parked already. In these circumstances, the proposed flats would only add to the on-street parking demand, that would aggravate the difficulties and danger of using the A379 and adjoining streets.'

Mr Machin added that a minimum level of car parking to at least cater for visitors to the flats, was appropriate, in accordance with the local planning policy.