Councillors sitting on a policy and resources committee face intense pressure from campaigners fighting plans for a park and ride site being built within their community.

Brighton and Hove City Council wants to build a 900-space car park on one of two sites in Patcham but residents are united in protecting both Patcham Court Farm and Braypool from development.

Dave Tyrrell, chairman of the Patcham Against Insensitive and Destructive Development (PAIDD) group, has submitted a number of questions to the committee meeting being held today at Hove Town Hall.

Mr Tyrrell is asking the council why it has given the landlord of the farm at Patcham, who is also the landlord of the farm cottages, notice to quit before any decision has been made for a site for the park and ride. The notice has left six families and the farm tenant unsure of their future.

He is also asking why Patcham Court Farm, including the cottages and Horsdean Allotments, was recommended for the park and ride site when the stage II report did not choose the location as the optimum site.

He is also asking when the findings of the latest consultants' report will be made available to the public.

In addition to Mr Tyrrell's questions, the committee will receive a deputation from Melvyn Smith, of PAIDD.

The deputation contains several pages of statements and facts questioning the suitability of both Patcham sites.

Mr Smith concluded: "We are enraged at the complacent attitude to those who support this scheme and the apparent lack of concern for the citizens of this city.

"On behalf of those involved and likely to be affected I ask you to seriously consider the issues I have raised and those further matters regarding water which will have to be dealt with."

Dr James Rhodes has raised questions about the safety of the city's water supply if a park and ride site is built in Patcham.

Councillor Craig Turton has replied, saying officers are undertaking a thorough assessment of all the factors associated with both Patcham sites.

Coun Turton said: "This Labour administration is committed to ensuring a cleaner, greener city.

"A city in which people, and not cars, are the priority.

"I believe that park and ride, as one strand of our transport policy, will help improve the quality of life of our residents, their health and the future economic prosperity for all in our city."

Dr Rhodes will lead a deputation to the full council meeting on November 24 about the water issue on behalf of PAIDD as the group steps up its pressure.

PAIDD and other Patcham protesters will march on the full council meeting on November 24, meeting at 3pm at the Peace Statue in Hove for a march to Hove Town Hall.