Harborough housing scheme on land that ‘floods regularly’ has been recommended for approval

Developer Manor Oak Homes has put forward the outline application – which seeks approval in principle – for 85 homes on land south of Farndale View, off Lubenham Hill in Market Harborough.

The applicant has acknowledged in documents that the proposed site is “at risk of flooding” and is “within 20 metres” of the River Welland. In documents submitted to Harborough District Council (HDC), Manor Oak Homes said that while there is a “raised risk” of flooding in the area, future properties would be unaffected.

The application is due to be discussed by HDC’s planning committee today (Tuesday, April 21) and is recommended for approval, but the scheme has proved highly controversial in the neighbourhood.

A total of 139 objections have been raised against the proposals. An MP and two councillors – Logan Ward Councillor David Page and Welland Ward Councillor Darren Woodiwiss – are among those highly opposed to the scheme.

One resident against the plans said: “The area proposed is prone to flooding, it makes no sense to add to this. The flood plain has worked well these past 10-15 years, anything that upsets this delicate balance is irresponsible and bordering on stupidity.

“Upsetting this balance also risks flooding properties further downstream, Willow Crescent and Elm Drive, plus others on Coventry Road near the road bridge on Welland Park Road.”

A second, who lived “directly opposite” the site, said there was “direct evidence” that the River Welland was “already at or near capacity in normal winter conditions” and the homes risked further problems unless drainage – which they called inadequate – was tackled.

When the plans were first put forward, Harborough MP Neil O’Brien called the development “crazy”, claiming the “only” reason the plan had been put forward was due to the increased housing targets in the area set by the Government.

Logan Ward councillor Cllr David Page said: “The application site is well known locally to experience regular and prolonged flooding, with a substantial proportion of the land inundated for significant periods of the year. This characteristic is not incidental; it reflects the site’s functional role within the floodplain of the River Welland system.

“The fact that this land was never allocated, promoted, or assessed through the Local Plan process is not an omission but a consequence of its obvious and long-established flood risk constraints.

“The proposal constitutes inappropriate development within an area that performs an important flood storage and conveyance role.”

HDC officers, who have recommended the scheme is approved, said Manor Oak Homes had “demonstrated that the site is suitable for residential development”, including in its “management of surface water drainage and flood risk matters”.

Officers added: “There would be a substantial benefit from the proposed development in respect of meeting general housing need as well as affordable housing need. Therefore, despite the proposed development being contrary to the development plan when taken as a whole, the benefits identified would outweigh this conflict. The application should therefore be approved.”

A decision is due to be made on the application at HDC’s planning committee meeting today (Tuesday, April 21).