Asda warned proposed site is flood risk

The Environment Agency says stringent measures to lessen the prospect of the natural disaster must be taken if the store and adjoining business park is to be built.

A planning liasion officer at the agency, Helen Tier, said: "According to agency maps and records, the site is shown to be within a flood risk area and the area is known to suffer from poor drainage and the ditch networks are poorly maintained.

"A flood risk assessment and drainage strategy will be required which will need to investigate all forms of flooding and how surface water is to be managed in accordance with the guidelines (in government planning policy)."

It is also known that a shallow groundwater table existed in the area, states Ms Tier.

"Any assessment on water resources should explore this potential condition and identify mitigation measures during and after construction to protect water resources," she comments.

Her remarks are included in the agency's response to Arun about the information which Asda should include in an environmental impact assessment as part of its planning application.

Natural England has also made it clear to Arun that a full set of environmental information has to be available before any planning decision about the scheme can be taken by the council.

Elaine Webster, of Natural England's government team, says it has two issues of over-riding importance.

These are the potential impact of Asda's scheme on the landscape and appearance of the surrounding area and the fact the detailed design should seek to respect and enhance local character and distinctiveness.