CAMPAIGNERS have won a fight for measures to combat potential flooding in Cottingham from a new development.

Fears about flooding led to objections from residents to plans for a new garden centre at Twinacre Nurseries in Castle Road, Cottingham.

Objectors claimed surface water from the development would increase the risk of future flooding in Cottingham, which was badly hit in June 2007.

The plans did not include details to deal with surface water run-off from the site, which lies on higher ground than the main village centre

Although East Riding Council gave the go-ahead for the garden centre, ward councillors and objectors won an important concession from the planning committee.

Concerned local councillors are being allowed to be involved in the drawing up of the vital drainage details, and new traffic management measures for Castle Road.

Objector Alex Duke, chairman of Cottingham Flood Action Group, said: "The site is in a Flood Risk Zone and we were totally opposed to the development.

"The sewer in Snuff Mill Lane already cannot cope with flood water.

"We are pleased the planning committee wants the issue addressed before work starts on the garden centre, and councillors who represent people at grassroots level will be involved."

Mr Duke, of George Street, Cottingham, said many homes in the village were swamped in the 2007 floods.

Cottingham councillor Ros Jump, who was allowed to speak at Thursday's committee meeting, backed residents' concerns with her own objection to the scheme.

She said: "The flood-risk issue surrounding the development needed to be addressed and I welcome the chance to be involved to raise residents' concerns.

"The situation has changed since outline approval was granted for the garden centre in 2005 because of the severity of the flooding in Cottingham in 2007.

"No work must be allowed to start on the site until drainage and flood-risk assessments surrounding this site are resolved to the satisfaction of fearful residents."

Councillor Bob Tress said it was clear to everyone that drainage and the potential for flooding was a real problem.

"The site is on the side of a hill and surface water will cascade into Cottingham if the issue is not dealt with as a matter of urgency," he said.

The committee heard new facilities had opened at Castle Hill Hospital since 2005, leading to an increase in traffic and bus movements in Castle Road.

Councillor Geraldine Mathieson said: "We need a proper traffic survey to see what is happening now rather than four or five years ago."

Ward councillors welcomed the right to be involved in the detail of improvements to Castle Road.

Christopher Kendall, agent for the applicant Twinacre Nurseries Ltd, said the site was not in a Flood Risk Zone and Yorkshire Water had not objected.

He said: "The land doesn't flood, and all the technical consultees are satisfied the development will not increase flooding elsewhere."