The Environment Agency is objecting to plans to convert a former office building into flats near the centre of Banbury. 

Applicant Toftwood Investment Ltd initially submitted the application to Cherwell District Council for Lower Cherwell Street in the town in 2021. 

It was originally for 12 flats, but this has since been reduced to nine. The new scheme is for six one-bed flats and three two-bed flats. 

However, the Environment Agency is objecting over a flooding risk. 

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Lower Cherwell Street plans (Image: Cherwell District Council) Sarah Green, sustainable places - planning advisor, said: “The amendments shown on the site plan include a reduction in the number of units from 12 to nine but also additional elements which were not part of the previous proposal including, raised decking, terraces, steps, services and bin stores and walling. 

“The potential impact of the amended scheme on flood risk has not been considered as the flood risk assessment has not been updated.

"Therefore, the scheme as now proposed may result in an increase in the risk of flooding on or off site. We therefore maintain our objection to this application as the flood risk assessment of the proposal is inadequate.”

In the application's planning statement, it said: “The development aligns with the relevant requirements of the development plan policies.

"In general, it is contended that there is a significant amount of policy support, on both a national and local level, for the principle of the development at the application site.”