HOMES could be at risk of flooding if plans to develop Walthamstow Stadium go ahead, the Environment Agency has warned.

The 294-home development proposed by London & Quadrant (L&Q) for the former dog track in Chingford Road, Chingford, includes plans to bring the River Ching back above ground at the site.

It currently runs beneath the surface along the south side of the site.

But the Environment Agency has objected to the plan as it fears it could cause an unacceptable increase in the risk of flooding as the housing association has not carried out proper testing.

The agency also states that L&Q has not proved it plans to builed developments in areas of the site at the lowest risk from flooding.

Planning officer, Simon Banks, said: "The potential increase in flood risk to a number of areas as a result of deculverting the Ching Brook was not acceptable.

"Despite considering a range of options L&Q’s flood risk consultants weren't able to come up with a design that addressed this."

English Heritage recently expressed reservations about the plans and the effect on the listed frontage. There has also been concern over the viability of the scheme and the use of taxpayers' money to plug any shortfall.

Rick Holloway of Save Our Stow, which is campaigning for dog racing to be returned to the stadium, said: "L&Q’s current plans are in complete tatters. "We feel this whole scheme should now be stopped. It’s a farce."

An L&Q spokesman said: “The Environment Agency objection relates to a number of issues connected to flood risk and river ecology, which we are in ongoing dialogue with the EA about addressing.

"We work closely with all statutory consultees to ensure our proposals satisfy the highest possible design standards and ongoing discussions with the agency is a normal part of this process.”

The stadium closed in 2008.

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