A bid for a £370m energy park on the edge of Norwich city centre has been dealt another blow, after the county council lodged an objection to the proposal.

Developers Norwich Powerhouse want to build a straw pellet-burning plant, plus 120 homes, an education centre and a research centre on land between Thorpe St Andrew and Whitlingham.

But, because of what it says is a lack of information relating to potential flooding, Norfolk County Council has objected to the application.

The council expressed concern over water run-off and the potential for that increasing flooding risk elsewhere.

The objection follows a previous holding objection by the Environment Agency in the absence of an 'acceptable' flood risk assessment.

And, with Norwich Powerhouse revealing at the end of November that it faced difficulties in securing investment, it cannot commission reports to address the concerns.

The board called in an insolvency practitioner and sought a Company Voluntary Arrangement.

That would mean the company could continue trading, if agreement is reached over payment to creditors over a fixed period.

Energy company E.ON, which has put in £1.4m to the project so far, is still considering whether it is prepared to make further investment.

A spokeswoman for Norwich Powerhouse said: 'The planning application for Generation Park Norwich is ongoing and consultees are invited to comment based on the information available

'It is, of course, disappointing that the company's financial situation stalls the commissioning of supplementary reports.

'Talks with potential investors are ongoing while technical assessments are carried out.'

What do you think of the plans? Write, giving full contact details, to Letters Editor. Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email EDPletters@archant.co.uk