ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have attacked plans to extend a park and ride site, claiming it will destroy the 'rich and delightful' habitat of badgers.

Oxfordshire Badger Group started a petition against Oxford City Council's proposals to add an extra 650 spaces to Seacourt Park and Ride, demanding that it pulls its planning application for the site.

The online petition on 38 Degrees website said: "Badgers and other wildlife thrive on this rich and delightful open space. They survive the periodic floods but will suffer immensely if the park and ride is extended. 

"It is not reasonable to permanently destroy a locally important, unspoiled, abundant wildlife habitat for short term gain."

It highlights the site's location in the Green Belt and in a high-risk area of flood plain, adding: "The council has a duty to preserve Oxford City's Green Belt for posterity yet seems determined to destroy it.

"We urge [Bob] Price to tell his council to withdraw this application. It must commit to cherish and preserve environmentally rich green field areas such as this."

The petition has already gathered almost 400 signatures since being set up almost two weeks ago. 

Oxford City Council could not be reached for comment but bosses have previously insisted that the scheme would not increase flood risk to homes and businesses.

The council hopes to extend the Botley Road site in a bid to increase parking spaces in the city ahead of Westgate's opening next year.