HAMPSHIRE transport bosses have submitted plans for a new park-and-ride site south of Winchester.

The county council wants to put the 864-space car park on Itchen Farm, between St Cross and Compton.

The proposed site, near to junction 11 of the M3 and Otterbourne Road, was used as the contractors' depot during the controversial extension of the motorway through Twyford Down between 1992 and 1994.

The site is the next phase of the long-term plan to surround Winchester with car parks to reduce congestion in the city centre. The first two sites at Bar End opened in the late 1990s.

The Itchen Farm scheme incorporates landscaping, as the site would be clearly seen from the Itchen Valley.

A building would incorporate toilets, bus information and waiting areas. A "green" roof with low-level planting would help blend the building into the surrounding landscape.

Closed-circuit TV coverage and lighting would provide security, with lamps designed to reduce upward light reflection thereby cutting light pollution.

The application, which will be determined by the county council itself, follows a large public consultation last year.

Mel Kendal, county council executive member for environment, said: "The choice of the Itchen Farm site was greatly influenced by public opinion. We initially preferred a site on Bushfield Farm but after considering the public's views and further technical findings, we've taken forward the Itchen Farm location.

"The route of the park-and-ride bus service has yet to be determined. Further consideration and consultation on the route options will follow the planning application.

"Subject to gaining planning permission, funding for the scheme will be considered as part of budget process later in the year."