Flooding fears after new homes approved

People living in Ferguson Close, which borders where the new homes will be built, faced flooding in January

A plan to build a further 56 homes at a large housing development has prompted flooding fears.

Neighbours in Ferguson Close, on the outskirts of Chippenham, Wiltshire, had to "dig ditches and build dams" to keep water from their doors when Storm Henk hit in January.

They are worried history will repeat itself after Wiltshire Council gave the green light for the sixth phase of the Hunters Moon estate, which has planning permission for 450 houses.

Developer Bloor Homes said it is committed to resolving previous problems with drainage in the area.

A spokesperson for the company added that "following the recent prolonged rainfall event, there have been no issues with the drainage system, which suggests the system as designed can cope with long duration low intensity rainfall events".

But, Janet Morgan, 58, said she is “totally stressed" as the winter moves closer after being hit by flooding on two occasions since moving into Ferguson Close – in January 2023 and again 12 months later.

Bloor Homes says it is dealing with drainage issues in Ferguson Close

Ms Morgan, who is registered disabled, recalled how neighbours took matters into their own hands during the floods in January.

She said: “Where they dug the ditches, they were taking the great big lumps of grass and basically built a dam across our driveway to stop the water going up our drive.

“Their arms, their coats, everything, covered in mud.

“We were all freezing cold.”

The Hunters Moon development is set to bring 450 new homes to Chippenham

When complete, the Hunters Moon development, based close to the A350, will have about 450 dwellings.

A spokesperson from Bloor Homes continued: “We are aware of historic issues at Chippenham and have been working with local councillors, the local authority and other stakeholders to ensure any issues on the development are resolved."

Wiltshire Council has been contacted for comment.