THE redevelopment of two Canvey schools could be held up due to strict regulations on flood plains.

A public consultation on the early stages of plans for the new Castle View School and a partial rebuild of Cornelius Vermuyden School began this week.

It is hoped an application for outline planning permission can be submitted in June, with the schools opening their doors in September 2011.

However, Canvey councillor Ray Howard fears the plans could be delayed by strict Environment Agency regulations concerning building on flood plains.

He said: "I am concerned. There is a lot of money at stake with two new state-of-the-art schools."

The Government is currently awaiting the results of a study by Sir Michael Pitt, due to be published this summer, before making any changes to current regulations.

This means most applications to build on flood plains are being refused. Mr Howard continued: "Because the Government was so severely criticised when we had the floods last year, it is loathe to start taking anyone out of the arena until the study has been completed - even though Canvey has got the best sea defences in the country."

Steve Rogers, Castle Point Council's head of planning, confirmed the Environment Agency is being very strict about allowing any new building on flood plains.

He said Canvey's problems were increased by the lack of access to the island. He said: "In effect, the agency is objecting to applications on Canvey, and that has meant we are not able to approve cases which come before us in light of these objections. Developers are having a hard time."

However, Gordon Powell, project director, said the team was working with the Environment Agency to iron out any concerns it may have before an application for planning permission is submitted.

He said: "There is always the potential for delay. There are issues about planning on Canvey because of the potential for flooding, but we are having very positive discussions with the Environment Agency."