A derelict farm site once earmarked for a park and ride scheme could be redeveloped as a high street bank's regional headquarters.

Patcham Court Farm, at the junction of the A23 and A27 on the outskirts of Brighton and Hove has been empty for 15 years.

It is understood Lloyds TSB, currently based in Gloucester Place and employing 1,800 in Brighton, is planning to relocate there. A spokesman for the bank refused to comment.

The park and ride proposal was rejected by councillors last year and if, as expected, the office scheme is given the green light this week it will rule out any future plans for a similar project on the site.

The council is due to reconsider park and ride options after the May elections and will trawl through previously proposed sites, including land at Braypool.

Last November an international marketing campaign was launched to find a buyer for the land, attracting 26 bids. Offers ranged from £1 million to £5 million and the council's policy and resources committee will next week decide which package to accept.

The proposed development, which has been recommended by officers, is a high quality office complex with two and three-storey buildings and 180 car spaces.

Unlike the park and ride scheme, the project will not involve building on nearby allotments.

Selection criteria included money offered, design, credibility and track record of the developer, funding and benefits to the city.

The leading developer has already secured an agreement for a major company to move into the offices.

Council leader Simon Burgess said: "The offer we're considering looks like a really good deal for the city.

It is particularly good that the developer has a big client ready to move in so the whole site and building won't stand empty for a long period.

"It gives local taxpayers a good return on the sale of this public asset. Better still, it boosts the local economy by becoming the site of hundreds of jobs."

Green councillor Bill Randall had pushed for the site to become a Community Land Trust, a not-for-profit organisation which builds affordable housing and communal facilities.

He said: "It is a missed opportunity but I cannot attack it if it is going to bring jobs to the city."

The policy committee will consider the plan on Thursday.