WORRIED householders are protesting at plans to build homes on a site which they claim is a flood plain.

Residents in the area of Lowdale Lane, Whin Green and Bank Close, at Sleights near Whitby, say the planned development will aggravate the problems which they already have with flooding and raw sewage.

They say the site is next to Iburndale Beck, which floods regularly.

One of the leaders, Tracey Foster, said: "The sewage system which is planned for the new houses will link into the present system which already cannot cope."

The plan, which has been submitted to Scarborough Council, is for 10 houses and a bungalow.

Residents are being supported by the Environment Agency, which says it is objecting to the scheme because of the threat of flooding to existing properties in the area.

Further support has come from members of Eskdaleside-cum-Ugglebarnby parish council.