I did read on here few months back that a new surface car park had been built nearby to alleviate the parking issues , or have I got that wrong ?
That would be the one with 9,000 spaces that is at least partially open near Heald Green. I think it is a car park for passengers (and allegedly a few places for spotters). Not sure what the plans are for staff parking.
Incidentally, re. my mention of the possibility of a/c stands to the east of T2: I seem to recall seeing a plan which effectively made T2 double sided for part of its length i.e. providing contact and not just remote stands. Whether that was part of an official option or more a sketch by someone making a suggestion, I don't remember. That space between the vehicle exit road from departures level and the T2 structure is a car park at present, for staff I assume.