Risk of floods could increase for Denmead

Villagers and the local MP are objecting to plans to build a 99-home estate on fields between Tanners Lane, Kidmore Lane and Anmore Road in Denmead.

Groundwater flooding has become a major problem in the Denmead and Hambledon area in recent years and many say the development will make matters worse.

Charles Church has applied to Winchester City Council to build the estate. More than 40 objections have been lodged with the authority.

Brian Simpson, from Denmead, wrote: ‘Denmead lies in a valley with a known history of flooding and more recently, this has become a significant risk in the vicinity of Anmore Road as a result of the serious change in the climate and weather.

‘Today as I write, the ground and surface water is rising in this area and with the 
prospect of more rain to 
come, the risk of flooding has again become a major concern.’

And he added: ‘The rules and guidelines, including mathematical/computer models for predicting the effects of the weather are now in need of a comprehensive review.’

Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery said: ‘This application has not sufficiently considered provision to dispose of both surface and foul water and will, in its current form, drastically increase the flood risk to the village of Denmead.’

The developers say there has been a ‘detailed assessment’ of the ground conditions.

Run-off would be controlled by oversized pipes and underground storage tanks and two ponds would be dug.