AFC Bournemouth’s second attempt to win permission for their plans to resurface Kings Park car park has ended in failure.


Last month football club boss Eddie Mitchell expressed his frustration after the council’s planning committee deferred a decision on his proposals to improve the car and lorry park.


The application went before the committee again on Monday when the board voted to refuse it following opposition from Littledown councillors Jane Montrose and Lawrence Williams.


They argued that the alterations to the car park would result in a loss of spaces and more congestion on local roads.


Earlier, members heard how revised plans had been submitted for the site with AFC Bournemouth proposing 400 spaces in the car park as well as 289 potential parking spaces at Portchester and Avonbourne schools as well as the Sovereign shopping centre.


Council officers had recommended that the new scheme should be approved, pending consultations with the Environment Agency over drainage works.
Members heard how the Agency had already been consulted amid fears that the plans could disturb contaminated land at the site.


The application was rejected after chairman Cllr David Kelsey said concerns over drainage needed to be resolved before a final decision is made.


His move to refuse permission until more information is made available by the club was carried after seven councillors voted in favour with none voting against.


A 50-year deal between the council and the football club, which effectively hands over the running of the car park to the club in return for the investment, is on hold until the issue of planning permission has been resolved.


Speaking after the decision, Mr Mitchell said: “I’m dismayed; I just can’t understand it because I’d already met council officers and agreed what we were going to do.


“I know how to sort out drains and I’m amazed that people who don’t understand have the authority to scupper things.”


He added: “The football club has been here over 100 years and the car park is our neighbour. It’s a dust bowl in summer and a swamp in winter.


“I’ve had to beg, borrow and steal to get the money for this work and I won’t be giving up.”