WAITROSE is taking measures to improve the ‘efficiency and operation’ of its car parking in Christchurch.

The supermarket chain has applied for permission to install three automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras in the Bypass Car Park, which serves its Christchurch store.

It also wants to install safety bollards to delineate an area of the car park used by permit holders only.

The car park has been publicly run in the past, but Waitrose has agreed to its management going forward.

Waitrose will be leasing the car park from Christchurch Town Council, which recently purchased the car park from BCP Council.

A planning statement submitted as part of the supermarket’s planning application reads: “The works proposed seek to reflect the updates to the car park required for Waitrose’s management of the site.

“The automatic system will enable the existing pay and display system to be removed. This will significantly improve the overall efficiency and operation of the car park.

“The proposed features are entirely appropriate within the car park setting. They will be very discreet in nature and appearance and will have no impact on amenity or the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

"They will simply allow the car park to be better managed.”

A decision is yet to be made on the application.