Bideford’s new river bridge is expected to be completed by 1979.

And the Bridge Street multi-storey car park for which the Town Council has pressed for so long, and about which a Department of the Environment inquiry has been sought, should not be built until after then. This is suggested by the county planning officer in his report on the long awaited Bideford town centre plan.
Part of Bridgeland Street and the Quay are show for office purposes and in order to preserve the character of these areas changes of use that would require alterations to their external appearances should be resisted, it is contended.
Traffic restriction to service and residents’ vehicles and others with particular business is advocated for an area covering the High Street, Alhalland Street, Grenville Street, Market Place, Mill Street and Cooper Street. This would involve changes to the one-way system.
The report says there is a need initially for about 400 vehicles at the northern end of the central area by 1979. Suggested alternative sites for a multi-storey car park are the waterfront and land to the south of Pill Road.

The full Gazette article is dated 25 May 1973