PLANS have been submitted to alter the parking arrangements outside a busy post office in the hope that it will alleviate traffic congestion.

The owners of Blackwell Post Office, in Carmel Road South, Darlington, have applied to alter the curtilage outside the building and create seven off-street parking bays.

The plans also include a design for new pedestrian access around the parking bays and stepped access to the shop, with a disabled access ramp.

A statement submitted to planning officers by architect Christopher Padgett said the owners hope the proposals will stop customers parking their cars on the pavement and on the junction with Blackwell, which causes congestion.

The statement adds: “We have fulfilled the client’s brief by providing an area for car parking and pedestrian access to increase the local amenities for the Blackwell area of Darlington and further increase the viability of the post office and shop.

“We have also tried to relieve the parking issues associated with the junction to Blackwell by displacing vehicles into a contained parking area, thus increasing reducing the risk of a collision. We feel that these alterations will have a positive effect on both the amenity and environment of the local area.”

Consultation with neighbours and interested parties is underway and the plans will be debated by Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee in the coming months.