FEARS have surfaced over the potential risk of flooding from the proposed new £30.5m college redevelopment in Witney.

The Environment Agency has said it will object to the plans ready to go before district councillors next Monday unless the college comes up with a better system to deal with run-off rainwater.

The main concern is over a localised flooding problem with surface water and sewers backing up on the corner of High Street and Welch Way.

The Environment Agency now has a greater say on whether and how new developments go ahead following recent floods nationwide. Last summer Witney was badly hit by a combination of the river Windrush bursting its banks and drainage systems unable to cope with surface rainwater.

The college said it was modifying its detailed plans to deal with the issues raised by the Agency.

Steve Billcliffe, college director of development, said: "We are still expecting the green light and no delay on the new timescale we have for the campus."

The campus is part of Abingdon and Witney College, formed out of a merger between the two town further education institutions.

The demolition of old buildings and three-storey redevelopment on the town centre site were rescheduled when the lead construction company, Abingdon-based Leadbitter, said they could complete by summer 2010 - a full year ahead of the original programme.

The revised plans and timescale for Witney's second major new development - running in tandem with Marriotts Close - go before West Oxfordshire District Council's lowlands planning sub-committee on May 19.

The agency's objection is based on surface water run-off rates, which have to take into account a percentage increase for climate change, "to ensure there is no risk to third party property".

They are also suggesting a range of "sustainable drainage system techniques".

But their bottom line is that unless the college meets their requirements, their objection would involve referring the issue to the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Mr Billcliffe says they have come up with new proposals to limit run-off. They are:

  • Underground tanks to store rainwater which will be used for flushing college toilets and in-house laundry
  • Smaller service road, cutting down on tarmac run-off
  • New trees to soak up groundwater through their roots He added: "We are aware of the need to make adjustments to reduce the impact of floodwater and run-off. We are expecting a number of conditions to be attached by the planners and they will be included in these."

Other issues that have been raised through consultation over the scheme include local car parking through increased student numbers. No provision has been made for student parking on site.

The county council transport department also wants assurances on pedestrian safety in relation to construction vehicles because of the service road's proximity to the Welch Way health centre, library and magistrates courts.