PLANS to double the size of Grove must not leave the current village at risk of flooding, the Environment Agency has stressed.

The area is set to balloon in the next five years with 1,000 homes in the pipeline and another 1,000 properties by 2021. However, the agency has demanded a detailed survey focusing on the possible impact of the expansion on flood water in the village.

Residents have also waded in and have said the disused airfield, which is where many homes will be built, helped ease last July's flooding.

Retired Geoff Chown, of Mayfield Avenue, organised a village poll to determine support for the housing scheme, last year. He said it was clear most worries were, and still are, around the flood risk. He said: "I am very annoyed and I am concerned for any person in the village who had problems with their property last July.

"There needs to be a complete review of the plans and we are taking it up with the Vale of White Horse District Council."

Many believe putting it under concrete with new houses and roadways will mean even more water pouring into the village.

Hayley Willoughby, from the Environment Agency, said the group was demanding better drainage to be a major part of the development. She said: "The developers will have to comply with all the local and national planning policies before we can say it's acceptable."

Terry Quinlan, chairman of the Vale of White Horse planning committee, has urged developers to take another look at the plans.

The Grove Residents' Group is urging people to attend a meeting on Friday, February 15, in the Old Village Hall in a bid to publicise their concerns.

Ronald Howes, 76, of Colne Close, said: "I am worried I am going to get flooded if all these houses are built. Last July was a real eye-opener and people are genuinely worried about what might happen."

Retired Don Summer, of Hawthorn Crescent, agreed a complete review of the proposals was needed and said there was little evidence the flood risk was being properly considered.

He said: "There is a general feeling in the village that this development is being foisted upon them."

Councillor Bill Melotti said repeated questions by residents to the Environment Agency, parish council and developers have revealed a lack of information about preparations to prevent future flooding. He said: "It is quite astonishing the lack of confidence people seem to have in the planning process and the developers approach.

"This presentation in the village will allow everyone to understand what appears to be a poor approach to the flood risk planning. This whole development feels like a car crash happening in slow motion."

A planning application will be submitted to the Vale of the White Horse District Council in the spring.

Gavin Walton, a spokesman for the council said drainage and flooding issues would be properly considered. House builder, Persimmon Homes, was not available for comment.