A major car park in Cirencester could close for a year to become a multi-storey if plans are approved tomorrow.

The Waterloo Car Park, which has 233 spaces, could be shut off from 2020.

Cotswold District Council said car parks in the town have become far busier over the past few years, and motorists are finding it difficult to find spaces at peak times.

Under the plans, 150 permit holders could be decanted to park at Cirencester Rugby Club – but there would still be a shortfall of 80 spaces.

The authority wants to install a temporary second-deck to a nearby car park for two years to fill the parking deficit it will create, although it has not yet been decided which one.

A council report suggests The Old Memorial Hospital and Old Station car parks “may be suitable”.

Senior councillors at the authority are being asked to approve costs of up to £470,000 for the project at a cabinet meeting this week.

The council report said: “There is current demand for additional parking and a waiting list for permit holders – there is therefore a need to deliver parking to meet this demand as soon as possible.”

If approved, a planning application to construct the temporary double-decker car park could be submitted by August this year, and it is expected that construction would not be completed until Summer 2020, the council report said.

HOW HAVE RESIDENTS REACTED?

Residents of Cirencester have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service how they are against the plans.

David Chitty said: “Cirencester needs the spaces, but wouldn’t an underground car park reduce the negative visual impact?”

Matthew Taylor said: “Wouldn’t it be easier to put a car park outside of town with a shuttle bus? Putting a car park into town will only draw more traffic and more congestion into a busy enough area at it is every morning.

Jo Turner said: “The big Tesco car park is never full. Run a park n ride from there. Cheaper for the council to pay Tesco some rent than build a temporary car park.”

Steve Morton said: “Considering the cost and effort involved, why not build two extra floors?”

HOW WILL WATERLOO CAR PARK BE TRANSFORMED?

The following are considered essential elements:

An increased parking bay width of 2.5 metres

15 free bicycle racks

Spaces for motorcycles

Public toilets, including ‘Changing Places’ and baby changing facility

A roof to maximise opportunities for environmentally beneficial systems and technologies

Electronic signs at locals on the route(s) to the car park to enable the display of ‘Car Park Full’ information.

There are also optional plans to install:

Shower and changing facilities

A drop-off waiting area

A small office/welfare facilities

Space for a parcel collection point

Cotswold District Council’s cabinet are likely to approve the proposals on February 14, from 4pm.