The housing association Barcud is seeking approval from Ceredigion council for an entirely affordable housing project at Central car park in New Quay.

Debate has flared over the proposal to partly replace Towyn Road's pay-and-display car park, prompting both support and opposition through petitions. Initially planned for resolution this month, the decision has now been postponed for the third occasion.

The scheme, previously put on hold for an on-site evaluation, was suggested for conditional sanction by the council’s development management committee.

Barcud claims it could shut the commercially operated car park, which it owns, at any moment. Their plan entails maintaining 91 out of the current 315 parking bays.

Council officers in Ceredigion have indicated that these spots could be preserved "in perpetuity" if permission is granted, reports Wales Online.

Nevertheless, New Quay's town council has resisted the development due to concerns about reduced parking, possible adverse effects on tourism, and the insufficient public transport available for future inhabitants. It also casts doubt on the local demand for one-bedroom apartments.

An online petition by the New Quay Traders' Association stands in opposition to the proposal, arguing: "The car park is central to our local economy and taking away this space will lead to a significant decrease in visitors and tourists. It's a simple equation. Less parking equals less visitors. Less visitors will impact our economy and cause job losses."

A counter-petition was initiated soon after, suggesting that local residents are hesitant to back the proposal due to fear of retaliation from those who own second homes. The petition states: "These houses are not intended for second-home ownership or for outsiders but are destined for families and individuals who have always been part of our town's rich tapestry. Unfortunately many young families and locals who work and live here have been pushed aside due to tourism and second-homers, often at the expense of our own people."

The application was put on hold after the New Quay Traders' Association raised concerns about "procedural irregularities".

A spokesperson for Ceredigion council has since confirmed: "Additional information was provided by the applicant following the last development management committee. This is being assessed and the case will be reported back in due course."

The matter is now scheduled to be reviewed by a planning committee on May 14.

Sara Powell, speaking on behalf of the traders' association, announced that the group intends to "formally request that this application is called in for independent review by Welsh Government".

She further stressed: "The loss of this car park poses an existential threat to New Quay's economy and the council's handling of the matter so far has only increased public distrust in the integrity of the process."