Housing plans spark a flood of complaints (From The Oxford Times)

Housing plans spark a flood of complaints

7:00am Saturday 5th May 2012 in Wantage By Ben Wilkinson, Crime Reporter. Call me on (01865) 425427

RESIDENTS have hit out after planning councillors approved a 15-home development on village land they say often floods.

Vale of White Horse District Council approved Linden Homes’ bid for the greenfield meadow in East Hanney by Alfreds Place last Wednesday.

This was despite objections from East Hanney Parish Council and villagers over flooding concerns.

The village was badly hit by floods in 2007 and 2008, and the land was water-logged again last week after heavy rain.

Vale council leader Matthew Barber, who also represents the area, last night said the authority was satisfied the flood risk had been addressed.

But Brian Cooper, of Alfreds Place, said the council had pushed the development through in its drive to hit housing targets.

He said: “The reason this went through is because the council perceives it needs social housing in the Hanneys.”

Mr Cooper, 48, said all the surrounding houses would be at a higher risk if heavy rains came again like in 2007 and 2008.

He said: “If we have another event like that the number of properties that are damaged will increase and the damage will be worse as the water level will be higher.

“I think we are all going to regret the mistake.”

Ian Green, 58, of nearby Oxford Road, said: “It doesn’t seem to be right.

“That field acts as a holding pit for storm water. And because the ground is so flat through here the water doesn’t go anywhere.”

Parish council chairman Bob Spencer said: “During the recent rain the site was flooded. It was covered in water.

“We don’t think developers have answered our questions regarding the flood risk and how they will dispose of flood water.”

Another Alfreds Place resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We have nothing against building homes as there is a need for housing but I’m not sure it is the best place to build.”

Mr Barber said sufficient drainage would be in place.

He said: “The flood risk concern was taken into account and it was felt the risk was not significant.

“There is a need to build houses but there is no point in us building houses where it will flood.”

Linden Homes did not respond to a request for a comment.