THE troubled scheme for a "new village" on the outskirts of York has hit another serious obstacle.

With a decision on the future of the proposed Derwenthorpe development expected soon from City of York Council planners, the Environment Agency has decided to uphold its long-standing formal objections over possible flooding associated with the controversial site.

Opponents of the development say they believe the council could now "wave through" the proposals, without addressing outstanding concerns, in order to secure the future of the site before the new year.

But the authority has strongly denied the claims, saying all comments and concerns will be fully evaluated before any decision is made.

Plans by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to create the village of Derwenthorpe by building more than 500 homes on land west of Metcalfe Lane, near Osbaldwick, have been delayed by several months after a series of setbacks.

Continued fears about flooding and drainage problems have forced developers to add large storage ponds and water pumps to their plans.

Although the Agency is now satisfied that the current plans for the development no longer increase the risk of flooding in the area, it has requested a formal agreement confirming the drainage systems will be put in place. Until then, it will continue to object to the proposals.

Tom Hughes, of Meadlands Residents' Association, said: "Why has it taken years for the foundation to reach this stage where there are still outstanding concerns? Why have these issues still not yet been sorted? I am worried the council will now be cracking the whip to get this through."

Barry Potter, vice-chairman of the York Natural Environment Trust, said: "It is getting very late in the day for this. The developers should have done their homework from the outset."

He also praised the Environment Agency for its work in assessing the plans. He said: "I think the Agency has been courageous in its stance, and should be congratulated for not giving in to the developers."

Nigel Ingram, development director for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "We have already said that we would want the Environment Agency to have removed its objections before any decision is made by City of York Council planning committee.

"We believe our current scheme as lodged with the Environment Agency will achieve that aim."

A council spokesman said: "This application was first submitted in August 2003, so we cannot accept that it is being pushed through quickly. We cannot yet confirm the next date at which it will be considered by the planning committee.

"Members of that committee have consistently taken on board all comments and concerns raised by residents, and will continue to do so. All due processes have been followed in the planning procedure, and will continue to be followed throughout the progress of this application."

Updated: 10:34 Wednesday, October 13, 2004