A fifth park and ride scheme for Oxford has been approved - and even more could follow.

County transport officials were delighted with the Government's decision that the 800-space car park at the Gosford grain silo site, above, could go ahead, arguing that it would boost city centre trade.

But councillors representing Kidlington were not so pleased. One described the decision as a "black day" for the village.

A 500-space extension for the Thornhill park and ride car park in Headington - mainly used by commuters travelling to London - has also been approved, almost doubling its capacity.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has decided not to call in the two applications for a public inquiry, although both sites are in the green belt.

Originally, Oxfordshire County Council put forward a plan for a 1,000-space car park at the grain silo but scaled down the plans following protests.

The decision could encourage the council to press for more park and rides. One has already been outlined for Marston. Long-term ideas include park and rides in towns like Abingdon and Witney with bus lanes into the city.

Eddie Luck, assistant director of transport development, welcomed Mr Prescott's announcement. He said: "We need to provide more capacity to get people into the centre of Oxford by bus instead of by car. This is part of the Oxford Transport Strategy and is sure to benefit retailers in Oxford."

He said a residents' parking scheme would be introduced in north Oxford to ensure more people used the new facility at Kidlington.

David Young, director of environmental services, added: "I am very pleased that the Government has accepted the strong case we have put forward for these additional park and ride spaces, which will support the Oxford Transport Strategy and will give a major boost to Oxford's business and retail vitality.

"The new spaces will help the severe problems caused by commuter parking in east Oxford, north Oxford and Kidlington, and along with other bus and rail improvements, are a key part of our strategy for Oxfordshire over the next few years."

Kidlington county councillor Dave Green said almost 100 per cent of Kidlington residents were against the new park and ride. He added: "It's a black day for Kidlington. Residents are already suffering because of traffic congestion and this is now likely to be infinitely worse."

He called for more safety measures to be put in place on the Gosford link road.

"There is already an accident blackspot there and I hope safety measures are put in place before work starts," he said.

Mrs Patricia Redpath, clerk of Kidlington parish council, added: "We have fought vigorously against this and I am very surprised this has got the go-ahead.

"We will now investigate to see if we can do anything further to object to this."

Some of the new parking spaces could be available by the end of the year. The Kidlington site would be served initially by a bus service every ten minutes along Banbury Road, to Summertown and Oxford.

Further services to other parts of the city, including the hospitals and Brookes University sites in Headington, are likely to follow.

Councillors were told those using the park and ride in Kidlington, off the A4165, would benefit from the latest technology, including computer screens updating bus arrival times. There will also be security lighting and cameras, a bus terminal, cycle racks, and landscaping for the site.

Graham Jones, a spokesman for traders group Rescue Oxford, which has criticised the Oxford Transport Strategy for damaging trade, said: "We are not opposed to park and rides being expanded. It can be useful for some shoppers, but not others.

"The Thornhill park and ride extension will mean that it can be used by shoppers as well as commuters, and that's a good thing.

"But the local authorities still need to do more to help shoppers who have to bring their cars into Oxford."