Works linked to proposals to double the size of a Norwich park and ride (P&R) site are due to take place, according to Norfolk County Council.

Permission was granted for Postwick P&R to expand from 500 parking spaces to 1,000 in May 2010, although one of the conditions was work had to start within three years.

And Birse Civils has been brought in to carry out initial work to the P&R site's access road, off Yarmouth Road, to protect the planning consent and prevent the county council from having to reapply for permission for the whole project.

Officials have previously stated the extra parking spaces will not be added until approximately 2015 and even then it will depend on demand for the service.

The development of Postwick P&R is linked to the £21m Postwick hub, which is proposed to see the closure of slip roads leading on and off the A47 onto Yarmouth Road. A public inquiry into the hub project is due to take place this summer.

The hub is viewed as the potential starting off point for the proposed – and controversial – £141.5m Norwich northern bypass (northern distributor road).

Bert Bremner, cabinet member for transportation at Norwich City Council, said he believes park and ride offers 'immense benefit' to the city, to residents and visitors, but more could be done to reduce prices.

He said: 'I think overall the decision to invest in such a good service all round the city and to expand Postwick will keep the city centre alive.'

But Peter Herring, of Cullings Drive, Postwick, said there was no need for another 500 spaces at the park and ride site.

He said: 'The park and ride site is probably half full. The only time it gets anywhere near to being full is Christmas for two days. If you ask anyone in this village about extending the park and ride they will tell you what they think.

'It's not convenient for us as we don't get any special access. All we get are the down sides.'

Postwick is one of six P&R sites around Norwich. The cost of the works to the access road has yet to be announced.