Bosses at Network Rail fear the planned expansion of a park and ride is “very likely” to cause flooding on the nearby train line.

The rail firm says it is has not yet been consulted on the scheme for Wincheap and has only recently ploughed millions of pounds into improving the line between Canterbury and Ashford.

The backlash comes after the city council revealed proposals to create an extra 278 spaces at the park and ride site by concreting over marshland behind B&M Bargains and Pets at Home.

Hordes of critics have hit out at the plans, with Network Rail adding to a long list which already includes the Environment Agency, Canterbury Society and the Love Hambrook Marshes trust who fear the development will wipe out a section of river bank and threaten treasured habitats.

Derek Butcher, route asset manager at the rail firm, said: “It is clear that any adjustments to catchments of the Stour would have an impact on the Ashford to Canterbury railway line where we have just invested many millions with Kent County Council on line speed improvements.

“I am currently working on improvements at Shalmsford Street to improve the flood resilience at that location to make the line more resilient to flooding and without further investigation I think it is very likely that adjustments here would affect the line.”

The council’s plans to boost the space provision by 45% are hoped to become a reality along with the rubber-stamped proposals to build a controversial £8.8 million slip road off the A2 at Wincheap.

Launched in 1991, the park and ride service is a key aspect the city council wants to improve. The expansion will see a tenth of the spaces be devoted to electric vehicles.

Authority spokesman Leo Whitlock says the council didn’t, at first, deem it necessary to contact Network Rail.

He said: “The team charged with delivering the Wincheap park and ride extension did not consult with Network Rail because they did not feel they would be affected by the scheme.

“Having received their representation, the team has since been in touch to reassure them that is the case.

“Separately, our planners have formally consulted Network Rail and await their response.”

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