Whakatāne District Council has approved plans to create six new car parks outside Whakatāne Hospital on Stewart Street.

At a meeting yesterday, the council was provided with plans for moving the bus stop from the western side of the maternity clinic carpark entrance to the eastern side.

This would allow space for two extra carparks closer to hospital services.

The council would also remove 25 metres of broken yellow no parking lines from opposite Banksia Lane, making space for four car parks.

The plans has been made in consultation with the hospital and was intended to assist access to hospital services.

Installation is expected to be early this year.