NAILSEA Town Council has assured worried residents it is working with a Nailsea firm to find land for a new car park outside of the green belt.

A number of people expressed concerns after North Somerset Council’s planning and regulatory committee approved GE Oil and Gas’ plans to build a new car park on land adjacent to its High Street base.

Speaking at Nailsea Town Council meeting on February 27, chairman Rod Lees said: “This is a temporary permission. It’s up in five years and the condition is that they have to put it back to what it looked like before.”

The company applied for permission to extend its car park to alleviate parking problems caused by its employees in nearby roads.

But some residents are concerned about the amenity being built on green belt land.

Cllr James Tonkin added: “If this car park had not been approved it is almost certain GE would relocate out of the area with a loss of up to 700 jobs and a number of indirect jobs.”

The council agreed GE Oil and Gas was a great asset to the town and its employees supported a number of businesses in the area.

Cllr Tonkin confirmed himself and district councillor Bob Cook would be working with the company to find a more permanent solution.