Flooding concerns raised over plan for new houses

A resident sent this photograph to Pendle Council after developers said they wanted to build 28 new homes in the area

A property developer's plans to build 28 new homes on Lancashire farmland raise concerns about sewer capacity, drainage and flooding, councillors have been told.

Bamber Bridge-based Applethwaite Ltd is seeking permission from Pendle Council to build houses on the land near Earby.

The town has previously suffered from flooding, and while it has some defences, there are questions about whether further measures, such as a small reservoir, can be added.

A report for Applethwaite said: "The proposed development accords with the council's local development plan and will deliver a wide range of significant social, economic and environmental benefits."

An artist's impression of how the new homes could look in Earby

Applethwaite's planning application was held back in July to address an objection from Yorkshire Water, regarding where surface water would drain to.

There have also been objections from residents over possible flood and contamination risks, loss of privacy, extra traffic and not enough affordable homes, according to a report for Pendle Council.

One household sent a photograph, showing previous flooding, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Yorkshire Water argued the public combined sewer network did not have sufficient capacity.

It suggested a culverted watercourse running north of the proposed site would be the "obvious place" for surface water drainage.

Now, though, Applethwaite suggests the surface water should drain to the south.

Yorkshire Water has no fundamental objection to this idea.

'Valuable contribution'

Applethwaite's report said: "Environmental and technical matters, including non-car accessibility, highway safety, biodiversity, tree protection, flood risk, drainage and ground conditions, have been thoroughly investigated.

"There are no valid technical reasons to preclude development.

"This will boost housing supply and make a valuable contribution to the council's housing land supply.

"It will improve the housing offer in Earby with high quality two, three and four-bedroom homes. It will also enhance the site's ecological value; and provide economic benefits, including increased household spending for local businesses, increased council tax revenue and new construction jobs."

Planning officers say the proposed development complies with the council's development plan and there are no material reasons to object.

Further consideration is needed by a senior officer.