CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a university teaching centre in part of south Liverpool plagued by parking problems were approved after a £100,000 “peace offer”.

John Moores University’s bid to build at the IM Marsh Campus, in Barkhill Road, Mossley Hill, was backed by Liverpool Council’s planning committee after the university agreed to stump up cash towards helping to cure the traffic situation.

Residents have consistently complained about the number of vehicles parking in their street, making it impossible for them to access their homes.

Some said the prospect of JMU choosing to end parking charges on its 174-space site would mean a rush of staff and students bringing their cars on the off-chance of finding a free space.

It was feared they would bring further woe to residents who, on some occasions, have found cars parked in their own driveways.

While ward councillors welcomed the news of the contribution, some residents said they were angry they were not consulted on their views about the cash contribution before the proposal was passed.

Mossley Hill councillor Ron Gould, who gave an impassioned speech against the university at the last meeting, blasting it for “promising much and delivering little”, said he hoped the offer would help alleviate problems.

He said: “It has been a five-year campaign, horrendous for the residents who have had these problems. We want this building to go ahead because the college is central to the whole area and provides employment as well.