Residents raise flood fears over planned homes

Residents have expressed their concerns about the risk of flooding if thousands of new homes are allowed to be built north of Telford.

Inspectors examining a new local plan were told by representatives of Telford & Wrekin Council and developers that the proposed developments were "sound".

But campaigners warned that flood risks had not been fully addressed.

Mark Pollard, chair of Eyton of the Weald Moors parish meeting, told inspectors the plans appeared to rely on an "everything will be fine" approach.

"It's clear and undisputed that there are serious issues and challenges but no integrated strategy or unity of approach," he said.

"We think that the impact of growth on flood risk has not yet been fully or adequately assessed," added Pollard.

Kate Mayne, from the Strine Internal Drainage Board, told the hearing on Tuesday it was "critical" existing infrastructure was not overwhelmed. She added that a "piecemeal approach is not what we need for the future".

Resident Kevan Hendy said the scale of development could create a "significant flood risk" in three areas and downstream.

Water from the north of Telford flows towards the town through a network of ditches and watercourses, including Eyton Brook, Crow Brook and Hurley Brook.

Mr Hendy added that areas downstream would need protection as well as the Wappenshall area, where he lives. He warned one of the proposed development sites could become an "island" if flooding occurred.

Eyton resident Philip Knight said he had witnessed flooding in the area for more than 45 years.

"Nobody has done anything about it," he said.

"The plan should have policies to make sure those issues are addressed and no one can duck out of their responsibilities."

Developers told inspectors they would avoid building on land at the highest risk of flooding.

Satnam Choong, of Wappenshall Consortium, said the proposals were based on a "comprehensive approach" to flooding and described the plans as "sound". He said there was nothing to suggest that the sites couldn't come forward.

Telford & Wrekin Council's barrister, Freddie Humphreys, said the authority's flood policies were "sound with slight modifications". The council has reached agreements with the Environment Agency and drainage authorities.

Inspectors were told development could lead to an overall improvement in flood risk.

Planning inspector Catherine Carpenter said the concerns raised would be considered and told objectors: "We have heard what you have said."

The local plan hearings are due to conclude on Friday.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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