NEWENT mayor Fred Passant says the outcome of the county council elections on May 5 could have a direct impact on controversial plans to develop the library car park.

Gloucestershire County Council has effectively applied to itself for planning permission for a day centre for people with special learning difficulties on the car park.

It was due to debate the issue this month but has now put that off until June, the other side of the election, saying not all its information is in place.

The county recently failed to win the support of Forest of Dean District Council for its plans.

Coun Passant said: "With a change of political colour, the whole thing could be put back into the melting pot."

The day centre has been controversial because it could mean the loss of up to 20 parking spaces in the town centre.

Currently, Gloucestershire County Council is run under a Labour and Liberal Democrat alliance.

Coun Will Windsor Clive, Conservative leader on the Forest of Dean District Council and also county councillor for Newent, agreed that political change could result in a review.

"I would support that," he added.

Both Coun Passant and Coun Windsor Clive believe that other sites for the day centre could be considered, such as Sheppard House. The town council is heading opposition.

Coun Windsor Clive pointed to another area of land, just across the brook from the proposed site, which could be used for the day centre without taking up valuable parking space.