PEOPLE opposed to a proposed housing development in Staindrop fear it will cause a flood risk for nearby elderly neighbours.
However, Raby Estates, which has consulted people in the village about its plans to build 74, homes along Winston Road, says its development may actually reduce flooding in the area.
The field earmarked for the development was left under water after Storm Ciara passed through the village three weeks ago, prompting worries that the floodwater will be displaced if the land is built on.
Of particular concern are elderly people who live in bungalows in Winston Road.
Claire Priestley, who opposes the development, said: “One of those is my mother-in-law. What the worry is, there is nowhere for the water to drain away if that land is built on.
“We already have problems with the drains bubbling up on Winston Road. In the past that road has been closed because of flooding.”
A Raby Estates spokesperson said it had worked directly with the Environment Agency and a flood risk consultant at Durham County Council to ensure the development would not lead to a risk of flooding at the site or increase the risk in the surrounding area or downstream.
Raby Estates added: “The suggestion is to raise the levels on part of the site while creating other areas of flood storage on Raby Estates land which will accommodate any flood water displaced by the raising of levels.
“As a minimum this will result in a ‘like for like’ area of flood water storage, and due to flood flow routes, may indeed reduce flooding in the immediate surrounding area.”
“In addition to addressing the issues of flood risk from the watercourse, a sustainable urban drainage system within the scheme will ensure surface water flows from the site do not increase flood risk.”
Plans for the 74 homes have not yet been submitted to Durham County Council.
