A MULTI-million pound scheme to rejuvenate the neglected Diglis Basin could result in more flooding misery across Worcester, claims a city flood watchdog.

Worcester Action Against Flooding says it fears plans by British Waterways and Bryant Homes to fill the basin with 550 new houses, offices and a restaurant could spell disaster for those who buy the houses because it is designated as flood plain land.

But Peter Yates, principal planning officer at the city council, revealed that only part of the development would be on the flood plain.

"The part of the development closest to the river is within the flood plain," said Mr Yates.

"That has been taken into account in the proposed design.

"The application agents have been having lots of lengthy discussions with the Environment Agency."

Mary Dhonau, chairman of the watchdog group, said she accepted the proposals would be attractive and welcomed moves to improve the city.

But she added people who bought homes on the flood plain may not be able to insure them.

"We are not against revitalising the area - it will be lovely," she said.

"But we have to look at the implications. The area is marked as being in flood plain and insurance companies are planning to remove insurance to those people living within flood plains.

"I have also been to a number of seminars at the Houses of Parliament which predict rainfall will rise by 30 per cent during the coming years, so building the homes there seems impractical to me."

And proposals to raise the land level before building the homes would not counteract the threat.

"The sewage systems in the area are already overwhelmed in times of floods, but there will be another 550 washing machines, toilets and baths to deal with," she added.

"Then there is the problem that flood water from the area will be displaced into other areas of the city making the problem worse for others."

Ms Donau said the watchdog plans to take its concerns to the head of the Environment Agency, Peter May, next month.