A CONTROVERSIAL house-building project could be delayed over fears that the area could be at risk from flooding.

Environment Agency bosses are also concerned the 87-home development on land, off Goslipgate, in Pickering, could cause flooding elsewhere in the town

The development, submitted by Persimmon Homes, has already generated objections from locals who claim it is too big and unsightly.

Campaigners have welcomed the agency report which has caused planning chiefs to urge councillors to put the development on hold until the matter is resolved.

A report by Ryedale District Council planning chiefs to councillors says the agency has lodged an objection to the proposal.

The report adds that the site is located within an area considered to be at risk of future flooding.

"The applicants have undertaken to produce a flood risk assessment," it says.

A spokesman from the agency said there was also concern that the development could cause flooding in other areas of the town.

"We will want the developers to look at providing somewhere else for water to run off," he said.

"It may also involve raising the height of the existing development to prevent future flooding."

Town Mayor Betsy Hill, who with the town council has raised several objections to the development, welcomed the agency's report.

"There are a number of issues which the town council was not happy with and hopefully this will force the developers to rectify them," she said.

"One of our concerns has been the proximity of the development to Vivis Mill, which is a listed building."

Last week the Evening Press highlighted objections by Pickering Town Councillors who claimed their views had been ignored by a district council working party set up to look into the application.

Working party chairman Charles Scott denied the council's views had been ignored.

The report to the council recommends approval but as long as the flooding issue is resolved.

"This application has been deferred on two separate occasions to permit negotiations with the applicant company," said the report.

It added that these negotiations were fruitful and that subject to the resolution of the flooding issue permission should be granted.

Planning councillors are set to decide whether to accept the application on Monday.

Updated: 11:13 Wednesday, August 29, 2001