Developers behind £6 million plans to redevelop a historic Shrewsbury riverside building insist that residents would not be affected by flooding.

St Kenelm Properties Plc claims its proposed flood management scheme for the Frankwell Quay Warehouse is adequate. It hopes to turn the 19th century building – also known as The Maltings – into 13 riverside apartments, a shopping area, a restaurant and a pub.

The developers told a planning inquiry yesterday residential accommodation would be on the top floor and would not put residents at risk.

It follows an objection to the plans by the Environment Agency because of concerns about the potential risk of flooding.

St Kenelm Properties Plc has been granted the inquiry after Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council rejected its plans to demolish the old warehouse.

On the first day of the hearing yesterday planning inspector Andrew Freeman said that potential flooding was one of the two main issues he would look at.

He said the other was the affect of the proposal on the character and appearance on the conservation area.

Borough council planning services manager Ian Kilby told the inquiry: “The Environment Agency has raised objections as the scheme is submitted. There is a risk of flooding if the flood barriers fail.”

Matthew Copeland, for the developers, raised the possibility that a helicopter pad could be installed on top of the building to remove residents caught in floods.

He admitted it was “unusual” but added: “There is no risk of flooding to residents living on the top floor of the building.

But Justin Burnett, of the Environment Agency, said: “People should be able to remove themselves in the event of flooding and should not require assistance.”

Historic buildings expert Richard Morris told the hearing yesterday that Frankwell Quay Warehouse was “unique”.

The inquiry continues.

By Steve Todd