PLANS to improve car parking in Exford by creating new spaces, preventing lorry access and formally marking out existing spaces were approved by Exmoor National Park Authority's planning committee on Tuesday. The proposals put forward by the park authority would see 21 spaces in the existing village car park being formally marked out with an additional 15 spaces created by using land along the front of the adjoining picnic area. Problems currently caused by lorries and trailers using the site would be overcome by the creation of a 'pinch-point', which would reduce the entrance to the car park to 3.5 metres. A planning officer's report to the committee stated: "At the present time the car park is used by lorries and trailers and this leaves inadequate space for cars. "To try to tackle this issue . . . a series of posts would be set on a raised island so that road is narrowed to 3.5 metres. "At the other end of the car park, where the road leads to the national park authority's depot, it is proposed to erect fencing and a central gate of 3.5 metres. "This gate is sufficiently wide to allow vehicles to the depot and treatment works. However, the gate will ensure that only authorised access is allowed." The committee was told there had been concerns a public footpath could be obstructed by the proposed gate, but investigations revealed the definitive right of way still ran through the treatment works and a diversion order was urgently needed. The committee was told the car park improvements would be beneficial to both villagers and visitors alike. Members agreed to approve the plans on condition the 15 new parking spaces were not created until the footpath had been diverted to ensure unrestricted public access. l Plans for another local needs affordable home in Dulverton were approved subject to a legal agreement being signed by the applicant. The development on land between the Bridge Inn and the town's fire station would create a new home for the son and daughter-in-law of a local garage owner. A garage block would be demolished to make way for a more formal car sales and parking area, and the three-bedroom affordable home would be sited on land freed-up by the creation of the new car sales area. The committee was told the proposals would enhance the character and appearance of the surrounding conservation area. l Plans to convert a building into a local needs affordable home in Parracombe were deferred to allow a site visit to take place.