A fifth park and ride scheme for the Oxford area has been approved.

County councillors at this week's operations sub-committee unanimously approved the planning application for the 800-space car park, at the Gosford grain silo site off the A34, south of Kidlington.

A previous application for 1,000 spaces was scaled down after a planning inspector ruled it was too large.

The latest application has now been referred to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who has 23 days to decide if it should be called in for consideration. If he choose not to, Oxfordshire County Council will be able to start work on the development. Council bosses said the new facility was necessary because the existing Pear Tree car park was struggling to cope with demand. Pressure for more parking spaces is also set to increase when residents' parking zones in north Oxford are extended next year.

The new plans for the grain silo site include a signal-controlled junction off the A4165, a bus terminal, safe cycle access and cycle racks, security lighting and cameras, and landscaping.

Oxford City Council has backed the plans, while Cherwell District Council had objected.