IT proved controversial at the time with residents.

But an aerial tree top high-wire course is planning to expand its operation at a Hampshire country park.

Eastleigh Borough Council has revealed that Go Ape hopes to increase its facilities at Itchen Valley Country Park to include a junior tree top course.

Although plans are yet to be received, the cabinet has approved more than £100,000 in parking improvements to accommodate extra customers.

Go Ape first opened a tree-top assault course, which includes zip wires, wooden walkways and ladders, at the site in Allington Lane, West End, in April 2011.

The plans had provoked opposition from nearby residents and the Friends of Itchen Valley Country Park.

Campaigners claimed it would ruin the tranquillity of the park used by dog walkers and horse riders, could harm wildlife and had even threatened a judicial review when it was given planning permission by Eastleigh Borough Council.

Residents submitted more than 100 objections and a 150-signature petition and wildlife presenter Chris Packham joined the debate, criticising the council's actions.

However, the judicial review never materialised and Go Ape went ahead.

Now, four years on, the high-wire specialists, which run 28 such venues across the country, are looking at developing a high ropes course for children aged eight years upwards.

A planning application should be submitted in the autumn.

A council report states that the new course would need up to 18 extra parking spaces.

A feasibility study has been done to identify potential locations and the council's preferred options are to improve the existing car park near High Wood Barn for nine new spaces and build a new car park on the southern edge of High Hill Field with 20 more, though this will be subject to the planning application.

Work on the car parks is estimated to cost £104,300.

The council's report says given the expected additional income rising from £1,500 in 2015/2016 to £22,000 in 2018/2019 this investment should be paid back in seven years.

Cabinet members, who approved the spending, welcomed the news.

Leader of the council Keith House said: "This is a very successful project in the few years that they have been at the country park.

"The fact that they're prepared to extend this and bring more people to the country park has got to be good news."

Alan Broadhurst, cabinet member for leisure, said the council had been pushing Go Ape about this, adding: "It's something we have wanted for some time and this will bring more visitors to the park."

He said he hoped this would bring more addition revenue in to the council, such as from parking.

Go Ape was unable to comment as the Daily Echo went to press.