Plans for 500 homes in Hereford continue despite flood risk

The northern end of Lower Bullingham Lane was under water following Storm Henk

A developer is to press ahead with plans for a new housing estate despite the area being affected by flooding.

Bloor Homes submitted proposals to build more than 500 homes at Lower Bullingham in Hereford.

Herefordshire Council ordered the firm to do an environmental risk assessment for the site, as parts of it are at high risk of flooding.

The developer said a sustainable drainage strategy will now be included in its plans.

The planning application, which was submitted more than four years ago, sees the land in the southeast of the city by Lower Bullingham Lane and alongside Watery Lane being developed.

Herefordshire Council has said sections of the 6-hectare (15-acre) site fall within flood zones 2 (medium) and 3 (high probability).

Watery Lane was also flooded following a bout of heavy rainfall

The local authority said a flood risk assessment must "demonstrate that the development will be safe over its lifetime including the impacts of climate change and will not act to increase flood risk elsewhere".

A spokesperson from Bloor Homes said: "We are extremely conscious of, and sensitive to, the flood events that impact upon Lower Bullingham during times of excessive rainfall.

"This is a key consideration of the flood risk assessment and sustainable drainage strategy which will accompany our forthcoming mixed-use planning application for the allocated Lower Bullingham site."

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