CONCERNS over flooding have forced planning councillors to throw out plans for 48 holiday homes around lakes near Lechlade.

The Environment Agency is unhappy with the amount of information available on flooding risks at the Claydon Pike development off the A417.

Cotswold District Council's planning committee yesterday rejected an application to build 48 homes, access roads and a sewage treatment plant at the site.

Last year outline planning permission was granted for 160 holiday homes and a country park and hotel.

But yesterday one of the second phases of the development was rejected because "the current proposals may cause impedance of flood water flow and increase the risk of flooding".

Lechlade mayor Nigel Jones, an engineer, spoke against the application on behalf of the town council. He said: "The development is in a sensitive area and the study that has been undertaken is inadequate. Details in the report are wrong and there is insufficient information."

There was particular concern about flooding along the A417 in January, when the road closed.

Cllr Sue Herdman said: "We must listen to the EA. The flooding in January must have alerted them to the fact there is a problem."

A spokesman on behalf of applicant Coln Park said the company had made every effort to address flooding concerns and only had minor details to thrash out with the EA.