WINCHESTER City Council has defended its plans for huge new park and ride car park.

The authority was faced with backlash after submitting an application for a 15-metre multi-storey with three levels.

There has been a last-minute stream of objections with 38 registered with the council planning department by Monday and only one expression of support.

If approved, it will fit 287 cars at the former Vaultex site in Bar End – but residents are urging officers to change their mind.

They say it is too tall, unnecessary, and will block natural light.

A spokesperson for the city council said: “A planning application was submitted in January for a new, two floor decked car park on the former Vaultex site to provide additional Park & Ride facilities funded by the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

“The previously agreed scheme was for a surface car park with fewer spaces. The Winchester Movement Strategy identified the need for additional park and ride spaces at Bar End and the plans for the decked car park have considered and been adapted to reflect feedback from local residents following virtual engagement meetings for nearby communities.

“The planning application process typically takes approximately 13 weeks and all concerns will be carefully considered as part of that process.”

Objections from members of the public are racking up.