CONTENTIOUS plans to build a new 25-space car park at a village church have been unanimously approved.

The proposals for St Swithun’s Church, in Headbourne Worthy, were given the green light, after being in the pipeline for around six years

The car park will be on green land next the church and a small stream. Headbourne Worthy Parochial Church Council put the plans forward because currently churchgoers have to park in a field and cross the busy London Road. There is also currently no disabled access.

Thursday’s meeting of Winchester City Council’s planning committee gave the green light despite hearing concerns over its impact on wildlife habitats.

Gail Alexander, of The Worthies Conservation Volunteers, starting by quoting the famous Big Yellow Taxi lyrics: “They paid paradise to put up a parking lot.”

She then told councillors the site was “green oasis” and home to a number of species, including otters and water voles. Ms Alexander branded the designation of 25 spaces was “excessive” and raised concerns over pollution.

Natural England had also expressed concerns to planners prior to the meeting, saying it could have “significant potential impact on the River Itchen Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest”.

Historic England added: “The introduction of a car park and parked cars is likely to have a harmful impact on the rural and undeveloped setting of the church.”

But it added that the car park would be screened: “The low level of harm that would remain would be outweighed by the broader heritage benefit of supporting the sustainable use of the church as a place of worship and other community activities.”

However, those backing the scheme said it was vital for the church, which was described as being Grade I listed, over 1,000 years old and a designated Commonwealth grave site that attracted visitors from round the world.

Cllr Jane Rutter said: “I think the greatest tragedy of all would be if we cannot come to an agreement that would allow the church to flourish.”

Cllr Therese Evans added: “It is a beautiful church. We have to move with the times. I understand the concerns over the biodiversity but I think a lot of action has gone in to ensuring the habitat is protected.”

Cllr Patrick Cunningham also backed the plans and said: “I feel this will give the opportunity for the church to become more economically viable.”