FLOODING fears have been sparked by a proposed development in a Dorset village.

Residents of Chapel Street in Milborne St Andrew are worried that plans to build two four-bedroom houses in their road will add to existing flooding problems.

A previous planning application to build on the site was thrown out due to concerns over flood risks but now the developers have lodged a new proposal with North Dorset District Council.

However, neighbouring residents claim the amended scheme to deal with the issue of flooding is still not satisfactorily addressed and they are determined to fight the plans.

Joy Blackwood, who lives next to the development site, said: “People are fed up, this village floods and there should not be any more building down here.”

The new proposals include diverting flood water down a trench into a nearby stream, although locals say that will add to problems.

Ed Richards, who also lives by the site, said: “Where they want it flowing out into the stream has been flooded for the last two weeks anyway.”

A petition protesting against the plans has signatures of 124 villagers.

Mr Richards said another concern was the potential for increased car parking in Chapel Street, with the road already impassable at times for ambulances and fire engines. The neighbours have further concerns about the impact the new buildings would have on their own properties.

Mrs Blackwood said: “If we look out of any of our windows we are going to be looking at a brick wall.”

Mr Richards added: “It’s going to be totally overlooking.”

Villagers are calling on the authority to take their various concerns into account and reject the proposal.

Plans ‘suitable for the location’

THE DEVELOPER of the homes claims the site is not within a designated flood risk zone and the Environment Agency has not made any objections to the proposal.

Scott Rawlings from Ankers and Rawlings Developments Ltd said: “The proposed scheme complied with all the required planning policies and is comparable to other properties within the village.

“We meet the required standards in spacing between properties, providing enough car parking and the houses are of similar design and size to the surrounding character houses within Milborne St Andrew.

“I would confirm that we have worked hard with the local and statutory authorities to agree a scheme which is suitable for the location.”