New homes given the go ahead (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

New homes given the go ahead

PLANS to build new homes in South Cerney will go ahead despite concerns the development will be a flood risk.

Cotswold District Council has given planning consent to JS Bloor Ltd to build 23 new properties on land in Berkley Close.

The new houses will be built around a public open space which could then be used as a play area.

The new development will also include a small pumping station to ease concerns over the risk of flooding.

Drainage and flooding are key problems in the village. Berkley Close was left under water in 2001 and other parts of the village have been affected by flooding in recent years.

However Thames Water is satisfied the proposed development would not exacerbate existing sewage and drainage problems.

The company reported to CDC an investigation was on-going into South Cerney's drainage issues.

Some councillors were still anxious about water disposal.

Councillor Clive Bennett said: "I'm concerned about Thames Water's ability to carry out what they promised. There has been a leak in Broadway Lane for months and nothing has been done about it."

One of the main objectors to the development was South Cerney Parish Council. The council was concerned that planning permission on the site should not be granted until drainage issues were resolved.

Parish councillors were also worried about traffic management in Berkley Close, suggesting that ground water running of parking lots would put more pressure on the drainage system.

The scheme currently has four properties on the site earmarked as affordable housing. Although officers were pleased at the inclusion of low cost housing within the development case officer Mike Napper pointed out that this was below the expected amount.

He said: "The current layout indicates four units of affordable housing, which is approximately a 17 percent provision, well below that normally expected of such sites and further negotiation and consultation is required to resolve this matter."

Planning permission was granted on the basis that agreements over the provision over affordable housing are reached.