Councillors visited a community which says it is under threat from plans for a park-and-ride scheme.

Paul Elgood and David Watkins, of Brighton and Hove City Council's Liberal Democrat group, visited residents fighting proposals for a 900-space car park at Patcham Court Farm in Brighton.

Coun Elgood said: "The present use of the site adds a lot to the city with homes for local families and some much-loved allotments.

"It would be absolutely wrong to sacrifice these for park-and-ride, however much the city needs such a facility.

"I certainly support the notion of park-and-ride but feel the loss of these homes, the loss of the allotments and, in Braypool's case, the position with the potential national park make it too high a price to pay."

Dave Tyrrell, chairman of the Patcham Against Insensitive and Destructive Development (PAIDD) group, said: "The group is very much appreciative of Paul and David taking the time out to visit the site and meet the allotment holders, cottage tenants and local residents."

Brighton and Hove City Council's policy and resources committee will make a decision on which site is most suitable in December 7.

A council spokesman said: "We believe that a new park-and-ride site will make a practical contribution, together with other transport measures, to combating congestion into and out of the city centre.

"The council recognises that park-and-ride alone is not the solution to congestion."