A controversial plan to extend a car park into grassland in Winchester's Bar End has been given a ringing endorsement by councillors and members of the public.

Environmentalists are angry at plans to extend a park and ride scheme into the so-called Bar End wildflower meadow. The grassland was reclaimed from the old A33 and is a popular dog-walking spot.

It was promised to the people of Winchester in compensation for the loss of Twyford Down to the M3 ten years ago.

Environmental protesters say the development would lead to the destruction of 2.66 hectares (6.5 acres) of valuable grassland, home to over 200 species of flora and fauna.

But this week, Winchester City Council heard that the development would be an ecological boon, as it would mean fewer people driving into the city..

And it also heard that the planned extra 428 car parking spaces would only take up around 10 per cent of the site.

Winchester resident, Jock Macdonald, of Clifton Road, told a meeting of the city council's cabinet that the development should go ahead.

"It seems to be about time for a citizen of Winchester to speak in favour of the scheme because it would be an improvement for the environmental and commercial health of the city.

"When the protesters call it a wildflower meadow, what does that mean? It means it was once a bypass and then it was seeded with wildflowers."

Deputy leader of the council, Thrse Evans, agreed and said the current park and ride scheme at Bar End was very well used.

"There is a need for the car park. People say to me: 'I would come to Winchester if I could park and ride, but I don't because I can't'."

Hampshire County Council recently lost a lengthy legal battle against plans to offer open space at Magdalen Hill as compensation for the lost land.

But the High Court decision does not affect existing planning permission for the park and ride extension.

Councillors at Wednesday's cabinet meeting rejected an appeal to preserve the whole site. It was pointed out that they could be liable to pay damages if they withdrew the planning permission that was granted in 1998.