A DECISION on whether to build 1,750 new homes on greenbelt land near Innsworth has been delayed.

The plans to build the homes on land near Frog Furlong Lane have caused uproar among some residents, who believe the homes will increase the risk of flooding.

At a packed public meeting last week, residents voiced their concerns to the planning inspector who was due to make a decision after the inquiry ended yesterday.

However, a new government paper, released by the Homes and Communities Agency, has led to the inquiry being postponed.

The paper, titled "Investment and planning obligations: responding to the downturn", details plans to continue building affordable homes throughout the current economic crisis.

Chris Shaw, strategic director of operations at Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: "The inquiry was due to finish on Friday but it has been agreed by the inspector that an adjournment should take place," he said.

"This will allow for representations and possibly new evidence to be put forward around the paper by the Homes and Communities Agency.

"Most of the work has been done, including a site visit, but the decision has now been take to adjourn until September 1 and 2."

Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson has already formally objected to the proposal and said the new document should have no bearing on building in a flood risk area.

"I want to see the proposal shelved and not delayed," he said.

"Even if the area in question is not a flood plain, it's an 'at risk' area.

"Two years ago people near the proposed site were forced from their homes because of flooding and some didn't return for a year.

"There is also an issue with traffic at the Cheltenham Road East junction, which is already very busy during rush hour."

The inquiry will reconvene on September 1 with representation expected from both the developers, Boddington-based company Robert Hitchins, and those against the plans.

A Robert Hitchins spokesman could not be reached for comment last night.