Tesco's plans to expand its Abingdon store have hit a delay because councillors are worried about flooding and the impact on local traders.

Vale of White Horse District Council is to commission a second report on retail trade from new consultants and wants more information about proposed flood prevention measures.

Planning officers, who advise councillors before public meetings, advised that the growth should be allowed. It would create up to 60 new jobs.

A first consultants' report claimed a bigger Tesco would not cause significant damage to trade in the town centre, and the Environment Agency said there would be no risk of serious flooding.

But councillors on the development control committee were not convinced. Richard Gibson said he could not believe the retail consultants' report that a bigger Tesco would not have an adverse effect on town centre trade, and other councillors shared his doubts.

Deputy leader of the council, Tony de Vere, said if the application went to appeal the council would be on weak ground for refusing it because expert and professional advice had been received. But he supported the amendment to seek further information because it was the "only way forward."

Brian Hedley of the South Abingdon Floodplain Action Group said: "There would be more hard-standing areas for extra parking that would be at risk of flooding and so too would the river Ock."

Jill Carver, president of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce, said: "There is no need for another report. Three consultancies working for the council, Tesco and the Bury Street shopping precinct have written reports.

"It is clear to us that a bigger Tesco with more non-food goods would hit small traders."

Julian Walker-Palin, the corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: "Although the deferment is frustrating we are used to delays. Some of our applications have taken up to five years. We have made out a strong case for an improved store at Abingdon and believe that the council will approve our plans."