New houses could worsen floods, fear residents

People living in Bedworth said they don't feel listened to, after outline planning for 150 houses was approved on land that is known to flood.

The plans, from housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, are proposed for the Bedworth Woodlands area, which often sees roads shut, fields flooded and people being rescued from stranded cars.

According to the Environment Agency, the earmarked land, on Woodlands Lane, is in flood zone three - an area with a high probability of flooding.

Residents and one councillor are worried about the impact on an area already affected by surface water. Taylor Wimpey say the flood risk has been evaluated for the plans, which are backed by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.

Councillor Martin Walsh said the mitigation put in place for the plans would not be sufficient for the amount of water in the area.

"The area quite consistently gets flooded. I've lived in Bedworth since 1987. Putting the homes on this field is a bad move," he said.

"We're losing more green space and the infrastructure in this area would not take it.

"The road constantly gets blocked with traffic, it's not suitable for heavy good vehicles. There'll be a minimum of 300 cars - the traffic will increase dramatically."

But Taylor Wimpey aid the risk of flooding had been "thoroughly assessed" and the approved flood risk assessment said the development would not increase the risk on or off site.

However Karl Mayer, who has lived in the area for 45 years, said he thinks the plans will be a "disaster".

He said the road had been closed around 30 times in the last five years due to flooding.

"[There is] no benefit for local residents whatsoever," he said.

"If you turn all the fields into concrete, everything will run down towards the nook - it might be the levy that breaks the camels back. I'm very worried the plans will be approved."

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said concerns were carefully considered, and that a flood risk had been comprehensively evaluated.

The flood risk assessment has been approved by the local authority, they said, and a site-specific drainage design has also been completed.

"We recognise the flooding concerns currently affecting the community of Bedworth," the spokesperson said.

"We are committed to ensuring that our proposed development at Woodlands Road does not increase flood risk to the local area.

"We continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in order to deliver a development which will provide much-needed housing, whilst not increasing any flood risk to the local area."

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