FLOOD FEARS SINK HOMES
08:00 - 13 October 2007
Plans to build a dozen new houses in north Hull have been
rejected because of fears over future flooding.
The homes had been earmarked to be built on parts of rear gardens of eight
properties fronting Cottingham Road.
It is believed to be the first time flood risk has been used as a reason to
refuse a planning application in Hull since the June 25 floods.
The
proposed development includes a mix of detached and semi-detached houses, all to
be built with floor levels at 1ft above the ground.
An existing house on Cottingham Road would be demolished to create an access
road to the site.
It had been recommended for approval by planning officers, but as the land had
been underwater after the June floods, councillors decided to play safe.
Today, Carl Arnold, thedeveloper behind the scheme, said he would appeal.
He claimed councillors could stop developers investing in the city if they
continue to go against the advice of officials.
He told the Mail: "The Environment Agency had no objections, and neither did the
council planning officers whorecommended approval.
"It's true some gardens did flood, but the water was gone within a day and none
of the houses in the immediate area flooded.
"If this attitude persists,nothing will ever get built in this city."
But planning committee Councillor John Fareham said the prospect of building on
gardens prone to flooding was "not environmentally acceptable".
He said: "Awareness of flood risk has changed post-June 25 and that is why I
believe we can take a chance with any possible appeal. At the best of times you
can hear water squelching beneath your feet, and if the houses were to go ahead,
there would be less surface area for the water to drain off."
A similar scheme on the same site was rejected last year on the grounds of
inadequate access and a subsequent appeal by Mr Arnold was dismissed.
This week's decision also came as a setback for one of the residents selling
land to Mr Arnold for the development.
Retired taxi driver John Horner, 64, had planned with his late wife to give the
money they received to their grandchildren.
He said: "I lost my wife two years ago and her wish was to split the money we
received for our land between our three grandchildren.
"They are only very young and I wanted to put the money in savings for them to
have when they get older."
Mr Horner said the risk of flooding would never have been mentioned before this
summer's events.
"I just feel very annoyed this plan isn't going ahead on the grounds of a freak
accident. I feel it is unlikely we will be flooded again and just feel that this
is the next excuse."
A city council spokeswoman the proposal had been refused on a number of grounds,
with the committee also being concerned about the development's effect on the
character and appearance of Cottingham Road.