FLOOD victims have called for guarantees their homes won’t be put further at risk by plans to extend Seacourt Park and Ride into the floodplain.

The proposals for 658 extra spaces on the site have been put forward by Oxford City Council despite warnings it was in a ‘high risk’ area.

With more than 2,000 extra daily journeys expected when the Westgate centre reopens in October 2017 the council said the spaces were urgently needed.

Campaigners called for a proper maintenance plan to make sure the proposed permeable tarmac surface protected residents in the future.

Earl Street resident Andy Webber, said: “I was flooded in 2000, 2003, 2007, 2008 and then again in 2014 when I had sewage all over my house.

“We need guarantees risk to properties will not increase, if there’s a chance it will then it should not be done.

“It could affect houses in Earl Street, and indeed Duke Street and Bulstake Close.

“The permeable surface needs to be maintained over the years if we are going to be protected.”

The 63-year-old initially raised concerns about the plans last year along with fellow Earl Street resident Nick Hills who warned building in the floodplain would displace water elsewhere.

The assessment agreed with the pair and said the development’s increased in surface water run off would cause flooding ‘if not managed and controlled’.

City councillor for the area Susanna Pressel said: “City councillor for Osney and Jericho, Susanna Pressel, said: “We certainly wouldn’t go ahead with this development if it could increase flood risk.

“The tarmac will of course be porous and we must make sure that it retains its porosity in the long-term.

“There is an urgent need for more parking here – it’s one of the few ways of reducing traffic in Botley Road, which is something we all want to see.”

The Environment Agency said it would formally comment on the plans ‘in due course’.