Plans for a new park and ride site are in danger of defeat when they come before councillors in the New Year.

Labour leaders on Brighton and Hove Council want to keep park and ride in the new local plan - the blueprint for development over the next decade - without specifying a site.

But in a debate on the plan last night, opposition councillors made it clear they would oppose any park and ride site north of the bypass.

No decision was possible last night during a three-hour debate on the plan. But when decisions are made in the New Year, the arithmetic is looking worrying for Labour.

Labour councillor Joyce Edmond-Smith made it clear she was against park and ride. A number of her colleagues are also known to harbour doubts.

If they abstain or vote against, park and ride is dead.

Tory councillor Pat Drake said a scheme at the long-favoured site, Waterhall Valley, could affect downland and the town's water supplies.

Coun Edmond-Smith said the local plan had many good things in it but added: "Park and ride sticks out like a sore thumb."

Green councillor Keith Taylor said: "Park and ride does not make environmental sense and it affects scheduled bus services. It will need subsidy and it will cause damage."

He said the council should instead insist on getting more people on to existing buses and trains.

Lead environment councillor John Ballance said: "It is wrong to portray park and ride as being old hat. It is good for the economy."

He said given high car ownership, park and ride had to be considered as a way to keep drivers out of town centres.