PLANS to redevelop a site for housing are being opposed by the Environment Agency because of flooding fears.

The scheme to create nine homes at Hammond's Mill, in Magdalens Road, Ripon, will be decided by Harrogate planning committee on Tuesday.

The Environment Agency has expressed concerns about the basement and ground floor levels because the site could suffer from flooding.

They are calling for a survey to enable the likelihood of flooding to be properly determined.

Officials are recommending refusal. Ripon City Council and people living in the area oppose the plan.

Residents say it would lead to the unnecessary demolition of traditional Victorian buildings and bring new ones of unremarkable design. They also fear the impact on the character of nearby Grade II-listed buildings.

Planning officer Jill North said the application should be refused because development would mean the loss of long-established industrial and business use of the site.