A row has erupted over plans to introduce parking permits outside a major Hindu temple in Woolwich, with worshippers warning the changes could damage a community that has been part of the area for four decades.
Members of the Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple on St Margarets Grove say Greenwich Council's proposals risk deterring volunteers, elderly worshippers and families from attending the temple, which draws visitors from across south-east London and Kent.
Permit-controlled zone plans
Under plans being introduced as part of the council's Sustainable Streets programme, St Margarets Grove will move from unrestricted parking to a permit-controlled zone operating from 8.30am to 6.30pm, seven days a week. Pay-by-phone parking bays and disabled bays will also be provided.
Temple leaders submitted a petition with more than 800 signatures opposing the changes and hundreds of worshippers also objected during a public consultation. They argue that free parking is vital for volunteers who help run the temple, teach classes, maintain the building and support community projects.
Concerns over seva and accessibility
Temple representative Dinesh Hirani said the restrictions could undermine the Hindu principle of seva - selfless voluntary service.
"We've relied on that sort of selfless service which has allowed the temple to keep running for 40 years," he said. "The only way to make it sustainable is to not add blockers for people that are giving up their time."
The temple also fears the changes could make it harder for elderly people, families with young children and worshippers travelling from outside Greenwich to attend.
Priya Bhanderi, whose son attends the temple nursery, said the centre played an important role in her family's life.
"My eldest son is neurodivergent. Coming to the temple is like his second home," she said. "To keep that routine up is going to be quite difficult."
Residents support restrictions
Temple treasurer Parbat Rudha criticised the council for rejecting suggestions that restrictions operate only on weekdays and during commuter hours.
"We're not opposing the parking scheme," he said. "What we're saying is make it Monday to Friday and in those core hours so commuters don't park."
However, many residents of St Margarets Grove support the proposals, saying they frequently struggle to park near their homes because of commuters using the nearby Elizabeth line and visitors attending large temple events.
Martin Roberts, who has lived on the road for 26 years, said: "There are days when we literally can't park a car on this road. There needs to be enough parking for the people that actually live here."
Others said commuter parking was a bigger problem than temple visitors but welcomed restrictions that would free up spaces.
Greenwich Council said it had worked with both residents and temple representatives before reaching a decision. Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan, cabinet member for transport, said the scheme aimed to "manage parking demand and make our streets more appealing for residents and visitors alike".
He added that the inclusion of disabled bays and paid parking spaces outside the temple was intended to balance the needs of residents and worshippers.
The council has not yet confirmed when the new restrictions will come into force, although road markings have already appeared on St Margarets Grove.
