A LACK of detail about the design of a bridge expected to be built over the river Dove for the proposed super-school has led to fears of increased flooding in Low Valley.
Plans show a bridge across the river but there are no specific designs showing exactly what sort of bridge it will be.
A railway bridge with a stone arch acts as a buffer when river levels rise. This will be replaced by the a proposed bridge but the Environment Agency has said if it is built to withstand a 'once in a 100 year flow' it could increase the risk of flooding downstream.
A flood risk assessment by Sanderson Associates included in the planning application says: "At this stage, it is not known what the actual design of the bridge will be.
"However, it is important that the cross section of the bridge does not make more efficient flow routes for the river and increase flood flows downstream.
"If the bridge structure was to create a more efficient route for the river, this will increase a risk of flooding downstream where ther are houses and businesses."
A document obtained by the Chronicle lists a number of detailed objections from various expert agencies and individuals to the long-term plans for new school buildings.
