THE final final funding go-ahead has been given to a new park and ride car park in Winchester.

The Vaultex site on Barfield Close, Bar End, will be redeveloped for a two-deck car park for around 300 cars, after the council secured a £5.6m grant from the Local Enterprise Partnership.

Cllr Martin Tod, portfolio holder for service quality and transformation, told Cabinet its impact would be softened.

Planting will reduce any impact for residents living in nearby Domun Road and consideration would be given to reduce the impact of any lighting.

The new structure must be finished by January 2022 under terms of the LEP grant.

Cllr Steve Miller, Conservative, pointed out the site, a former cash store, had been acquired in 2018 by the Tory administration. Cllr Jackie Porter said it gave people an opportunity to park away from the city centre and then walk in.

Cabinet agreed a supplementary estimate of up to £153,000, funded by prudential borrowing, to enable installation of a 'green wall' of vegetation if feasible and practical.

It also agreed that Willmott Dixon, who are currently building the sports centre, will be the main contractor.

A planning application will be submitted in due course