One of Brighton and Hove's most popular parks should be dug up to make way for an underground car park, say business leaders.

Plans to provide spaces for scores of cars at Preston Park will be presented to the city council in the New Year.

The scheme has been drawn up by a working group from Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce as part of its draft transport policy.

It suggests a car park underneath the park beside the A23 would be an ideal location for a park-and-ride scheme.

The report states: "The park would be re-placed above underground car parking.

"Landscaping features could also add to the amenities of Preston Park."

Business leaders will launch a campaign for the scheme when they present their plans to the council on January 14.

However, the report has alarmed residents' groups and is unlikely to be welcomed by people living next to the park.

Selma Montford, secretary of the Preston and Old Patcham Society, said the idea would only increase car use.

She said: "It is ridiculous. If you create a large car park under Preston Park you will only generate more traffic.

"This council says it is committed to encouraging more people to use public transport but building a huge car park is certainly not in line with that policy.

"The traffic impacts would be huge and I cannot imagine many people would be pleased to see Preston Park dug up."

This is not the first time a radical scheme has been suggested to try to solve Brighton and Hove's parking and traffic problems.

Last year, city Conservatives said Hove Lawns and Brunswick Square should be dug up to make way for underground car parks.

The city council said the latest plans by the Chamber of Commerce would be considered, especially as the group is an influential body representing many businesses in Brighton and Hove.

Transport councillor Simon Battle said: "The council will look at anything from the Chamber of Commerce with a great deal of interest.

"Generally speaking we do not support the idea of introducing expensive new car parks in the city. The reason for that is they fuel congestion.

"The whole basis of our transport strategy is to tackle congestion and our preferred approach is for park-and-ride schemes.

"This site is too far into the city to be used for park-and-ride."

But Mr Battle was supportive of another recommendation in the report, for park-and-ride at the junction of the Brighton bypass and the A23 at either Waterhall or Braypool.

He said: "We are very encouraged by that suggestion."

The report also calls for the hospitality industry to co-ordinate access through a shuttle bus system into the city centre.

It says there are too many parking systems in the city and a unified regime is needed, with more business parking.

Traffic calming simply shifts vehicles to other areas or adds to congestion, it says, restricting access for emergency vehicles, making bus rides less comfortable and promoting pollution.

The report reads: "We believe transport is the key factor in determining the sustainable growth of Brighton and Hove."