Nantwich is to get twenty one new homes despite serious concerns being raised regarding flooding. The area does need more housing but locals believe it will cause problems for residents who have suffered with flooding in recent years.
East Cheshire Council’s planning committee has approved the developer’s (Arley Homes) blueprints for the new estate. The plans include five-bed, four-bed, three-bed and two-bed properties and there will also be six affordable homes for local residents. Landlords who already have a portfolio of properties have also shown an interest in adding another home and protecting it with landlord insurance.
Alfred Palin has lived close to the site of the new development for twenty five years and has warned councillors that new housing will make the existing flooding problem much worse. He is just one of the thirty residents to oppose the plans with others having concerns about overdevelopment and increased traffic congestion.
Mr Palin said: “My home has flooded twice in the last two years and I believe this is down to the five developments that have taken place in the surrounding area. My wife and I are both pensioners, I’m in poor health and I could do without the worry of flooding for a third time.”
Mr Palin’s view is completely different to the drainage strategy report that found that the development site is in an area of low risk on the flood map. The council have asked for a guarantee that residents will not experience any flooding after the homes have been built and while the Environment Agency says the site is not prone to flooding, it does not say anything about the peripheral impact. United Utilities and the Environment Agency will continue to monitor the area and details of a viable drainage system will be included in the plans. Arley Homes have also promised to pay at least £15,000 towards a new children’s play area.