Developer told housing flood risk must be revised (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Developer told housing flood risk must be revised

3:31pm Friday 26th June 2009

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BUILDERS have been asked to look again at plans for a controversial development after an environment watchdog raised concerns about flooding at Hurworth Place, near Darlington.

Yuill Homes has been told it must use up-to-date figures to calculate Croft House’s flood risk from the River Tees, after the Environment Agency objected to the development on the grounds that the firm had used old data.

The developer has outline planning permission to convert the 19th century house into flats and build 15 homes in its grounds, and is in discussions with Darlington Borough Council.

The Environment Agency formally objected to the detailed plans in a letter to the council dated June 15. It said it carried out a flood risk assessment in January 2008, but the plans were based on a report from July 2007.

It said the site had been upgraded from medium risk of flooding to high risk of fluvial flooding. Though the developers planned to raise floor levels, the suggested elevation was not enough.

The agency is also concerned about dry exit routes in the event of flooding, calculations estimating storage volume and surface water drainage. It said the developer must provide revised information relating to flood risk.

“This information must be based upon new findings within the revised River Tees Model which is the best, most up-to-date flood risk information for the site and surrounding areas,” the agency states.

“This will ensure the protection of people and existing/proposed developments on site within the surrounding areas.”

Residents concerned that the development would be partially built on a flood plain have welcomed the news, which they were given at a meeting with council planners on Monday. Susan Dell, who lives in nearby Tees View, said they were pleased the Environment Agency had taken this view, but still had reservations the development could cause flooding to properties.

“This was the best outcome we could have had,” she said. “But we still don’t want to see them build on a flood plain.

“We feel as though the whole balance of the area is just very delicate.

“When you start digging holes and building great big mounds to put houses on, that is interfering with something which is working at the minute.

“They have to prove it is not going to impact on our houses.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We are reviewing the detailed application.

“Following consultation with the Environment Agency, we are awaiting further details from the developer which will seek to address potential flooding issues associated with the site.”

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