ANOTHER objection to a Leominster superstore has been lodged after claims that the site is at high risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency is against a new Sainsbury’s being built on Mill Street, claiming flood defences at the riverside site are “below standard”.

The fresh protest comes weeks after Network Rail raised its concerns about the proposed location being too close to a level crossing.

In his submission to council planners Graeme Irwin, senior planning advisor at the Environment Agency, says: “Our recently completed flood model for the River Lugg, in March, has shown the flood defences along the northern boundary of the site to be below our standard level of protection.”

As part of the multi-million pound scheme for a superstore, cafe, petrol station and 500 car parking spaces, the applicant plans to raise the height of the whole site by one metre due to the flood risk.

But Mr Irwin advises planners that more information is required on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding area.

“The flood risk assessment should include information that demonstrates there will be no adverse impact or increase in flood risk to existing properties as a result of this development,” he writes.

The Friends of Leominster action group – which is opposed to the development – welcomed the Environment Agency’s objection.

A spokesman said: “Part of the site was flooded last year and local residents have sent photographs to the Environment Agency because of their concern.”

Leominster Town Council’s planning committee last week backed the application, providing the Network Rail issue can be resolved.

But the final decision on whether the supermarket can be built rests with Herefordshire Council’s main planning committee.