A CHARITY is urging the city council not to "waste money on car parking" amidst a legal battle over a new multi-storey.

Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC) opposes the construction of the new park and ride in Bar End.

The city council approved the plans back in April and groundworks have already started.

But WinACC believes money should be used elsewhere and if the legal battle fails, it would like to see the number of city centre spaces reduced.

A spokesperson said: "The city council shouldn't waste money on car parking. The city council has the important but challenging target of reaching (net) zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

"Transport (mostly cars) is the biggest single cause of emissions in Winchester district. Fewer people travel to work now they've had the experience of working from home during lockdown.

"The council shouldn't encourage people to drive. If they do create more car park spaces at Bar End, they should definitely reduce car parking spaces in the centre of town by at least as many places, to reduce air pollution."

Residents of Domum Road have applied to the High Court for judicial review over the decision to approve the car park.

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

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.