Town flood fears raised

New fears over flooding have been raised following plans to extend a housing development near Puxton Marsh at Kidderminster.

A J Mucklow already has permission to build 46 homes on land in the Stour Valley near the marsh.

The property company has now applied for permission to erect an extra 27 properties, along with internal roads, access, car parking and landscaping.

But the move has prompted an outcry among residents and Worcestershire County councillor Nigel Knowles who fears they could be flooding if the marshland is not able to soak up drainage from homes.

Today he said Environment Secretary Hilary Benn should be called in to make a decision on the proposals.

Councillor Knowles has called for the entire scheme to be thrown out with a complete rethink about allowing house building in the area.

He believes the homes will be built in a flood-risk area and that even Kidderminster town could be in danger of floods if the scheme goes ahead because the drainage system will not cope.

Councillor Knowles said: "I am going to ask for a complete rethink by Wyre Forest District Council on the planning permission already given. I would like to see the outline planning permission already granted quashed and this latest application refused."

David Folkes, director of Mucklow, has said the new homes would not be built on the flood plain and that the site involved is land next to the marsh and left over from a previous development completed in the 70s.

He said the Environment Agency told them the site was outside the flood plain.