The car park at Newbridge park and ride will be extended after councillors gave it the green light.
Bath and North East Somerset council want to expand the car park by 248 spaces because the site frequently reaches capacity.
At a meeting of the development control committee councillors voted to go ahead with the plans.
Councillor Les Kew (Cons, High Littleton) said: "This has been debated a lot, through the Bath Transportation Package, and we have listened to all the views.
"We have successfully extended other park and rides in the city and I think this is necessary."
This application is the second one submitted by the council for the expansion.
A previously approved application for an extra 500 spaces and a Bus Rapid Transport scheme lapsed after a legal challenge by campaign group Newbridge Matters.
Federation of Bath Residents' Association secretary Robin Kerr said: "Our members support this proposal.
"We only regret that it will not be for the 500 spaces.
"We hope that the council will also continue to look for other sites as well."
Newbridge Matters are against plans, and managed to secure village green status for a parcel of land orginally earmarked for the expansion.
They objected to this latest application because of concerns surrounding ecology and the site's proximity to the village green and nearby homes.
John Western, from Newbridge Matters said they objected on a number of grounds including traffic, noise pollution and flooding risk.
He said: "We are horrified that the council is considering this.
"This proposal is not the answer to Bath's traffic problems."
Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst (Lib Dem, Newbridge) said: "This would affect residents quality of life.
"It is not fair to impose this on them."
The work on the park and ride expansion is part of the £27 million Bath Transportation Package, which aims to improve public transport for visitors and residents, as well as reduce congestion.
As well as creating more parking spaces the work at Newbridge will also include new public toilets and staff facilities, a covered waiting area, covered cycle parking and a new signal-controlled junction on Newbridge Road.
Councillors voted nine in favour and one against proposals, with two abstentions.
