CONTRACTORS have arrived today to fence off a car park after the landowner was refused planning permission to build on the land.

As previously reported, Quadron Investments Limited left notices on parked cars in an area of land at the bottom of Halliday Close, Cranbourne, warning it would be “enclosing” the area and threatening to block residents’ cars in and charge them to have them released.

This morning, contractors arrived to begin building a fence around the entire area, preventing residents from parking there.

The company, which owns the land used as a car park, applied last year to build six new homes on it, but the application was refused by the borough council after more than 40 residents objected.

Residents highlighted concerns with loss of privacy and parking problems.

Ward councillor Ron Hussey said the land has been used for parking for 45 years.

During the meeting to decide the application in December, a representative for Quadron warned that it could put a fence up around the land to stop residents parking there.

Residents had pointed out that they could claim what is known as prescriptive rights to the land, which can be granted if it can be proven that it has been used for a particular purpose for more than 20 years.

However, they said they would much rather work with Quadron to have the area developed with fewer homes to retain adequate parking for those already living on land owned by the company.

Now, it appears Quadron is set to follow through with its threat and stop residents parking there.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Hussey, who represents the Grove ward, previously told the Gazette: “The council has twice refused Quadron's plans to develop this land because the company wants to cram in too many homes. Residents also objected because of loss of parking and restricted access.

“Although this land has been an open space for over 40 years, Quadron now suddenly plans to a build fence around the site. If only they would talk to residents, building bridges rather erecting barriers, Quadron could find a way forward which resolves both planning and local residents' concerns.”

Quadron has not responded to the Gazette’s request for a comment.