COUNCILLORS will discuss action after proposals to extend a park and ride scheme were rejected by planners.

Lyme Regis Town Council applied to East Devon District Council for approval to continue to operate a park and ride at Ware Cross, Sidmouth Road, when the temporary permission runs out at the end of September. But planners rejected the proposals - labelling them as "fundamentally unacceptable".

Members of the town council's strategy and finance committee are set to discuss whether another application is submitted - alongside a 'detailed parking strategy for the town', which could cost the authority up to £5,000.

In a report to councillors, deputy town clerk Mark Green, said: "Clearly the loss of the park and ride facility at Sidmouth Road would have a detrimental effect on the town.

"During the summer months there is no ‘spare’ capacity within the existing town centre car parks to accommodate those vehicles currently using the Sidmouth Road park and ride site.

"In the circumstances, it is suggested the council’s officers discuss with East Devon planners the re-submission of an application for the continued use of the Sidmouth Road park and ride site, together with all necessary and appropriate supporting information.

"The undertaking of a detailed parking strategy for the town, together with the submission of a detailed and policy compliant sequential test may well require external and expert input, together with the involvement of both West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council. This is likely to have budgetary implications and it is suggested that provision of up to £5,000 be made available to allow this work to be completed."

Mr Green said that a number of options are open to the council including appealing the decision or re-submitting the application with more information.

A decision notice from planners stated the application had "not submitted satisfactory information" and if made permanent, could be harmful to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Planners also said that they try to "work positively" with applicants but that "in this case the development is considered to be fundamentally unacceptable such that the council’s concerns could not be overcome through negotiation".

The park and ride site has been used between Easter and the end of the school summer holiday since 2004.

Parking numbers have averaged between 70 and 80 cars per day during the summer period over the last two years. There have been periods of peak demand when the numbers have been as high as 1,000 cars in a single week, with the majority over the weekend period.

Cllr Ian Thomas, ward member for East Devon District Council, said: "The initial change of use was allowed to provide additional parking to serve Lyme Regis during a temporary period of significant coastal works primarily to the east of the town.

"This had resulted in a major loss of parking facilities in Holmbush and Charmouth Road car parks. That justification does not now apply and so the presumption, in the absence of strong evidence, should be refusal of that continued use."