PLANS for an ambitious £10 million revamp of Worcestershire County Cricket Club's New Road ground have been delayed after an eleventh-hour objection.

The Environment Agency raised last-minute concerns, saying plans for a new on-site hotel could suffer from floods. It is also worried about the disposal of contaminated water.

The agency submitted a letter to Worcester City Council saying the development is "unacceptable" because of the flood plain and would need further discussion.

The decision has angered members of the city council.

Councillor Robert Rowden, chairman of planning, said: "I think it is reprehensible that the Environment Agency waited until today to put a spanner in the works."

The development would improve player, media and spectator facilities, as well as expand hospitality. It includes a new main entrance, a pedestrian plaza, hospitality suites, a conference and banqueting area and executive boxes.

The project would also see the media centre revamped, new TV gantries, a restaurant, roof terrace, a new members' pavilion, changing rooms for the players and a bar.

Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams, deputy leader, said: "We have got to send this to the Secretary of State after the plans are approved anyway.

"I would argue because of the Environment Agency's concerns that it is best to defer it and make sure we get the whole thing right rather than let it drift."

Coun Geoff Williams agreed, saying: "My concern is that the letter from the Environ-ment Agency raises a series of significant objections - we obviously need to delay it to make sure we get the decision right. We should make it clear to the Environment Agency that we expect to be able to make a decision on this at the next meeting. My concern is that the Environment Agency will let it drift."

Mark Newton, the cricket club's chief executive, said: "Obviously, after such preparation for this meeting we were disappointed it was deferred. But we are philosophical and remain hopeful that eventually we will get the much-needed permission."