Businesses in Yeovil’s town centre are sounding the alarm over plans to build on crucial car parks in the area. Tim Northcott, owner of OfficeWyse on Princes Street, has expressed deep concerns that redeveloping the North Lane and Court Ash car parks will devastate the local economy and force many independent businesses to close.
Somerset Council launched a consultation over the summer for a new masterplan aimed at revitalizing Yeovil town centre. The plan proposes new homes, commercial spaces, and community facilities on four prominent brownfield sites. While the initiative intends to enhance public spaces and support active travel, critics argue it threatens the accessibility essential for current thriving businesses.
Northcott emphasized, “If these two car parks are redeveloped, many of our businesses will not survive.” He highlighted how North Lane and Court Ash are indispensable for customers, particularly elderly and disabled residents who rely on these convenient parking locations. Removing them would create a barrier to access, risking the collapse of a diverse community of cafés, salons, health shops, butchers, florists, and micro-businesses.
Despite council surveys suggesting underutilization, Northcott refutes this, stating the car parks are “consistently full,” and warns that a loss in foot traffic would trigger a domino effect of closures. He appealed to the council to consider alternative sites and mixed-use development options that do not sacrifice central parking — a resource he describes as the economic lifeline of the town’s upper district.
Councillor David Woan, associate portfolio holder for business strategy, echoed these concerns after engaging with more than 40 local business owners. He reported strong, unanimous opposition backed by a petition with over 4,500 signatures. Yeovil Town Council itself has formally opposed the proposed redevelopment of these car parks, citing that losing parking contradicts the masterplan’s goals of increasing footfall and creating a vibrant town centre.
Woan added that the council has paid insufficient attention to the unique role each car park plays in supporting different areas of the town. Meanwhile, councillors continue to review the extensive public feedback. While some support redevelopment of the Box Factory and South Street sites, there is significant resistance to plans affecting North Lane and Court Ash.
Councillor Graham Oakes acknowledged the need for development but stressed the importance of protecting the businesses at the top of the town. The final masterplan is expected to return to the council’s planning and transport policy executive sub-committee for debate in February 2026.
The outcome of this decision will be critical for Yeovil’s business community and the overall health of the town centre, balancing regeneration ambitions with the need to safeguard existing commercial vitality and accessibility.