WINCHESTER City Council has reinforced its plans to build a multi-storey in Bar End.

As previously reported, residents of Domum Road have taken the council for a judicial review after its plans for a huge park and ride were approved.

The legal decision is yet to be made, but civic chiefs have already submitted another application.

Winchester city councillor Martin Tod explained: "The new park and ride spaces in Barfield Close are a vital part of the City of Winchester Movement Strategy to cut congestion and improve air quality in the city centre.

"As part of ensuring that the project will continue to be delivered on time following the application for a judicial review, the Council has submitted a second planning application."

The new application is similar to the initial one.

On behalf of Domum Road residents, Dr Michael Heard said: "The council has put in a new planning application, as they must be concerned the decision will be quashed, however it is really no different from the previous one in terms of size, visual impact and environmental issues of light and noise.

"You are also aware that foundation works have commenced, so they are going forward at risk.

"It is important that this goes to committee again, in the hope of reducing the effect on the South Downs National park, the immediate locality and the wildlife. The new planning application is ref 21/01727/FUL. Objections need to be received by July 21

"As the local residents we are seeking that the new planning application is altered in the following areas: to remove the top floor, so it is a two and not three storey building; to infill the west wall, rather than it being open and covered with ivy, this would remove the light factor over the water meadows and reduce noise and pollution; to ensure the trees around the structure are mature and preferably evergreen; and to close the car park at night, in line with the police recommendation.

"I believe these requests are not unreasonable and would make a major difference."

Ken Day, a Domum Road resident who has been at the centre of the campaign, said there is "nervousness" amongst the council.

"They, the council, have chosen to lodge a further planning application is clear evidence of that," he said. "However, doing so has not really changed anything since the new application is only marginally different from the former, and the majority of the issues cited by us objectors previously have still not been satisfactorily addressed.

"All in all the proposal is still a mess and not worthy of consideration, and we objectors are forced into repeating our concerns on the various issues.

"Since Dr Michael Heard’s application for judicial review was submitted, and bearing in mind that the Council have since authorised contractors to proceed and work on the foundations at risk even though the High Court is still considering the matter, the council are assuming perhaps unwisely that the judgement will play in their favour. If not they will be liable for the cost of work done already and other expenses, which I guess will be found from the public purse.

"Not what I would call sensible to be committing rateable and other public income before it is clear that it will be spent properly.

"Having already admitted in their response to the judicial filing that they were responsible for errors in the original application, I would have thought that the council would have at least made an effort to arbitrate and attempt to settle out of court.

"Us Domum Road residents are prepared to seriously consider mitigating features that would allow the project to continue without further redress."