THE budget for the controversial extension to Seacourt Park and Ride could increase by nearly £1m, city council bosses say.

The council said this time last year the extension would cost £4.2m – but it says it now thinks it will need an extra £945,000.

Campaigners say badgers’ habitats would be destroyed if the work goes ahead, while others said there is insufficient demand for an expanded facility.

The council said last month that the work to increase spaces from 794 to about 1,500 had been ‘under review’.

It said the spending could take as much as 30 years to pay back – but would still represent a ‘sound investment’ for the authority.

Expansion work has currently stalled because of work on Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme and to avoid any disruption to residents.

Green Party group leader Craig Simmons said the money set aside for the park and ride changes needed to be ploughed into climate mitigation measures.

At the end of last month, the city council voted in favour of calling a ‘climate emergency’. Tonight, it will vote on its budget, with the increased spend for Seacourt Park and Ride likely to be accepted in full.

Mr Simmons said: “Not only does the expansion of the Park and Rides make no sense environmentally, but the county council announced it will be building a new 1,000-space park-and-ride off the A40 (near Eynsham).

“This, combined with the new rail line into Oxford, is expected to reduce the future demand for park-and-ride spaces.”

The council said the increasing cost of work and materials was a reason for the anticipated budget rising by 22.4 per cent.

In city council papers, which will be discussed tonight, it is stated: “The revised business case shows that with no increases in car-parking fees the payback period would be up to 30 years, but it is unlikely that charges will remain the same for that time period, and it is realistic to assume therefore that the payback period would be significantly less.

“This still represents a sound investment for the City Council and also aligns with the Council’s objective of seeking to promote Park and Ride usage as an alternative to driving into the city centre. The revised figure derives from an independent, expert assessment.”

The council will set its budget at Oxford Town Hall from 5pm.