THE groundworks have already started – but the construction of a new multi-storey in Bar End could be stopped in its tracks.

Plans for the 287-space park and ride on the former Vaultex site were approved by Winchester City Council's planning committee in April.

Now residents of Domum Road are looking to take legal action on the decision and have applied to the High Court for judicial review.

Those who live in the street had been campaigning against the plans since they were submitted and threatened to take legal action if approved.

"Further to my previous transmissions on this subject, please be aware that we, the Domum Road Residents, have sought legal advice on the grounds for judicial review of the Winchester City Council planning committee’s decision to approve the planning application for the multi-storey car park in Barfield Close," said Ken Day, who has spearheaded the campaign.

"The opinion formed by our solicitor on the evidence presented to the public in general and us in particular, the proceedings of the virtual planning committee meeting held on Thursday April 22 and the outcome of that meeting, and endorsed by learned counsel, has resulted in a formal application to the High Court for judicial review of that decision.

"Winchester City Council were informed of the application towards the end of last week (Thursday Jun 3) and are expected to respond later this week (Thursday Jun 10).

"Once received we should be in a better position to advise you of the grounds for the review submitted to the High Court and Winchester City Council's response to them, hopefully in time for you to run a further article on the continuing objections to the proposed plan to construct the multi-story, the groundworks for which have already started."

The council is yet to receive the papers from the High Court.

Contractor Willmott Dixon has started groundwork including setting up tree protection zones, putting up hoarding, removing an old underground tank and undertaking some site levelling.

The plans include 800 square metres of photovoltaic solar panels, six electric vehicle charging bays and green walls to reduce light pollution and tackle carbon emissions.

They also propose 14 disabled parking spaces.

A spokesperson for Winchester City Council said: "“The council is committed to tackling the climate emergency and improving air quality, while ensuring that people can continue to visit and use our city centre. Our proposals for a Park & Ride extension to provide parking for over 200 cars will enable us to reduce parking in the city centre itself and meet these aims.

"This is a partnership project supported by external funding and is one we will deliver for our residents. We understand that papers have been lodged with the High Court but we have not yet received them so are unable to comment further.”